Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed his disbelief after his side were on the wrong side of what he described as "very important actions" in tonight's Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at Everton.

Pellegrini said that it was "unbelievable" Romelu Lukaku was not flagged offside in the build-up to Everton's opener just before half time and also felt that his side should have had a penalty when Jesus Navas appeared to be clipped by Kevin Mirallas in the second half.

"With one view of the [first] goal it is absolutely offside," Pellegrini told Sky Sports News. "[Lukaku] is in front of Willy Caballero, he made a movement and participated in the play.

"It's unbelievable that the referee or linesman didn't see the clear offside. When you include the clear penalty on Jesus Navas, that's two very important actions that can change the score."

It finished 2-1 to the hosts at Goodison Park, with the second leg taking place a week today at the Etihad Stadium.