Roberto Martinez: 'League Cup semi-final defeat is heartbreaking'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has admitted that his side's defeat in the semi-finals of the League Cup was "heartbreaking".

The Toffees had a two-goal aggregate lead against Manchester City at one point this evening, but eventually succumbed to a 4-3 aggregate defeat as City ran out 3-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium.

The hosts' second goal was particularly controversial, with replays showing that the ball was out of play before it was crossed in to Kevin De Bruyne, and Martinez was at a loss as to how the officials missed it.

"It was a good game of football, we scored the first goal, got in a great position. It was a big call for their second goal, heartbreaking, when you watch the replay it is incredible you don't get the decision right," Martinez told Sky Sports News.

"It is impossible how you describe when you saw a decision once more, so clear and so big, it is heartbreaking. I don't think anyone in the stadium would disagree that goal is the major, major change in the tie.

"In the replay it doesn't leave you with any doubt, the ball is clearly out and should never be allowed to carry on. We should take this as an inspiration to do something special because that call cost us. We played with an incredible swagger and character."

The defeat means that Everton's 32-year wait to reach the League Cup final and 21-year wait for a major trophy will go on.