Roberto Martinez believes Romelu Lukaku's injury-time equaliser against West Ham as a huge moment which could prove a turning point in Everton's troubled season.
Everton, who had lost their previous four games, were heading out of the FA Cup until Lukaku's volley earned them a replay at Upton Park and ended their four-game losing run.
And manager Martinez thinks his record signing's shot -- and an earlier save from goalkeeper Joel Robles -- have the potential to prove pivotal in Everton's campaign as he considered the consequences of defeat.
He said in a news conference: "It would have been an horrendous setback. It would have been very damaging. The reaction I saw from the players was a big moment in this part of our campaign.
"When you get into that wrong dynamic when everything that can goes wrong, you can feel sorry for yourself. I don't think the players accepted that. It felt like a win going into the dressing room. Many people would say you don't want an extra game. We embrace it. To still be involved in the cup is a real positive.
"It is a bit of a snowball reaction when you get good results, you get confidence and get better. The attitude of the players was very pleasing to try and break down West Ham. The way we finished the last 15 minutes was very adventurous, full of energy and very much like ourselves. It would have been a crime if we had been out of the cup."
Lukaku, who had been on the bench for Everton's previous two games, scored his eighth goal of the season and Martinez was annoyed he had an earlier effort chalked off for a foul on Aaron Cresswell.
"I did feel the disallowed goal was a bit soft," he added. "Rom at his best will change games. I was really pleased with his attitude showing real responsibility and maturity. In a period like ours you have two options, you can shy away and hide or you can take responsibility."
Robles, who was deputising for the injured Tim Howard, tipped an Enner Valencia header over the bar to prevent West Ham going 2-0 ahead.
"I was pleased with that moment more than anything," Martinez said. "I don't think we have seen the best from Joel. That save is a key moment. If the second goal goes in it is virtually impossible to get back. It is a big, big turning point in our season."