Everton’s Romelu Lukaku spared his side a fifth straight defeat by snatching an added-time equalizer to salvage a 1-1 home draw with West Ham United in their FA Cup third-round match on Tuesday.
It had looked like being another dismal occasion for Everton when West Ham centerback James Collins was left unmarked to head the visitors into the lead from Morgan Amalfitano’s corner to the near post 11 minutes into the second half.
However, Lukaku volleyed home after Bryan Oviedo crossed into the area to force a replay and relieve the tension and frustration that had been building at Goodison Park, as well as lifting some pressure off Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
Photo: Reuters
It was a first goal in seven matches for Belgium striker Lukaku, who was signed for £28 million (US$42.42 million) from Chelsea in the close-season, but has struggled to justify the price tag in a mixed start to the campaign.
“It would have been a crime if we had been [knocked] out of the Cup,” Everton boss Martinez told BT Sport after the game. “I am pleased with the character and the reaction we showed. We are low on confidence, but it was a phenomenal reaction and it could easily be a turning point.”
The Toffees have won only one of their past 10 matches in all competitions and hopes that Lukaku’s late leveler could be a catalyst for an upturn in fortunes will face a stern test when Everton host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Photo: Reuters
The result extends West Ham’s winless streak to four games ahead of next week’s replay at Upton Park, with the winners facing a clash against Doncaster Rovers or Bristol City.
For West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, whose team’s excellent start to the season has tapered away in recent weeks, conceding such a late goal was a bitter blow.
“We’ve had our pocket picked,” he said. “We are disappointed to lose a goal in injury-time. I’m satisfied with the overall effort of the players, but if you don’t punish your opponents when you have the chance it comes back to bite you.”
The evening’s other tie also finished level as Chesterfield fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with fellow third-tier side Scunthorpe United. Derby County await the winners in the fourth round.
In other English soccer news, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard’s storied career seemed all but set for a Hollywood ending on Tuesday, with his move to the Los Angeles Galaxy widely reported to be an all-but-done deal.
The Galaxy emerged as the frontrunners to enlist Gerrard’s services almost as soon as the 34-year-old confirmed that he would be heading to the US when he leaves the Reds at the end of the Premier League season.
Gerrard will be ending a 25-year association with Liverpool.
Although details of a deal with the Galaxy reported by media outlets on both sides of the Atlantic differ slightly, most predict an 18-month contract.
A BBC report, which did not cite any sources, said the former England captain would sign a contract worth about £6 million with the Galaxy.
The Guardian reported that Gerrard would likely receive a basic salary of £4 million, with merchandising rights raising the figure.
ESPN and the Washington Post reported at the weekend that such a deal was in the works, even as MLS and Galaxy officials declined to comment.
A move to the Galaxy would reunite Gerrard with former Liverpool teammate Robbie Keane and see him follow in the footsteps of former England colleague David Beckham, who spent five years at the California club.
The Galaxy won their fifth MLS title last month and have a vacancy to fill thanks to the retirement of longtime star Landon Donovan.
Donovan’s departure left the Galaxy with a vacant designated player berth, which they can use to ink high-priced stars with relief from salary cap constraints.
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