Etherington started the 2010–11 season in fine form providing a number of assists from corners and left midfield. He scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 win over West Bromwich Albion and followed this up by scoring a last minute equaliser against Manchester City a week later and then scored another against Wigan Athletic. He scored the opening goal in the FA Cup semi-final as Stoke defeated Bolton Wanderers 5–0, clinching a first FA Cup Final appearance in their 148-year history. Etherington described the performance as the match of their lives. On 28 April, in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Etherington tore his hamstring, leaving him in doubt for the FA Cup Final. He ultimately regained fitness for the final as Stoke lost 1–0 to Manchester City.