Heard the one about the home crowd that celebrated the only two goals with standing ovations but still saw their side knocked out of the Cup? You have now.
What was expected to be a routine evening for Everton, riding high in the Premier League, turned out to be something unexpected as goals from former favourite Steven Naismith and Josh Murphy eliminated them from a competition that is more like a curse to them.
Naismith, who left Everton in January, opened the scoring just before half-time and his refusal to celebrate ensured he received widespread acclaim from the Goodison Park, while Murphy’s stunning drive in the 74th minute was also commended.