Everton manager Roberto Martinez says last night’s FA Cup clash with West Ham showed his side are finding their form despite defeat at Upton Park.
West Ham came out on top of an epic penalty shootout against 10-man Everton to secure their progress to the fourth round.
Enner Valencia put the Hammers ahead in the 51st minute, and it got worse for the Toffees when Irish winger Aiden McGeady was sent off for two bookable offences shortly afterwards.
However, Kevin Mirallas's fine free-kick sent the game into extra-time. Romelu Lukaku put the visitors in front for the first time on 97 minutes before Carlton Cole took the game to penalties.
There were 20 spot-kicks taken during the shootout before West Ham goalkeeper Adrian scored the decisive goal to help his side to a 9-8 win.
Everton have endured a disappointing start to the season, but Martinez said: “It is [a step forward]. I thought we defended in a magnificent manner.
“We had one body less [after McGeady’s red card], I thought we coped really, really well.
“To get that many open opportunities with 10 men is just a sign of the performance.”
West Ham's win sets up a fourth-round trip to Bristol City, who beat Doncaster 2-0.
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