2nd semi-final, 1st leg: Romelu Lukaku gives Everton 1-0 advantage over Man City in League Cup

London: Everton drew first blood in their League Cup semi-final against Manchester City as Romelu Lukaku`s second-half header secured a potentially precious 2-1 home win in the first leg on Wednesday.

City`s Jesus Navas had only moments before cancelled out Ramiro Funes Mori`s first-half opener, when Lukaku struck in the 78th minute, rising unchallenged to head home Gareth Barry`s arcing left-wing cross.

The goal gave Everton a deserved advantage to take into the second leg on Jan. 27 after they largely dominated proceedings at Goodison Park and restricted three-times winners City to infrequent counter attacks.

Awaiting the winners in the final will be either Liverpool or Stoke City, with Everton`s Merseyside rivals holding a 1-0 advantage after the first leg. (Reporting by Toby Davis; editing by Ed Osmond)