Martinez: We showed Character and Guts
Everton manager Roberto Martinez declared the 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers as his most satisfying while he has been in charge of the Merseyside club.
His side ground out a fantastic away performance following a tough trip to Kiev in the Europa League and despite riding their luck they held onto get the win and the 3 points which should keep Premier League football at Goodison Park next season.
‘It’s probably the most satisfying win I’ve had since I arrived at Everton,’ Martinez said.
‘The amount of emotion we shared on Thursday and we got back very late – we’ve found it very difficult this season after Europe.
‘We are adapting towards being a team that can cope with being in Europe.
‘Coping with the goal threat that QPR are going to throw at you takes a lot of character and guts. It wasn’t a day for a technical performance on the ball, it was about being a strong group and showing we have a strong will.
‘It was a very important three points today so the satisfaction was immense.’
Martinez was also delighted with the form of winger Aaron Lennon following his goal against QPR, but says it is too early to say if they will sign him.
‘It’s too early to say at the moment (whether we will sign him permanently),’ Martinez said.
‘Since he’s arrived he’s wanted to contribute and be a big part of the team.
‘His performance against Newcastle was his best performance since he arrived.
‘He came to Kiev, he shared the emotions we all had and that showed today.
‘He had a real will. He wanted to show he had fresh legs and I thought that was his best performance by far for Everton, not just in scoring the goal but in the manner he worked for the team.
‘He looks like someone who has been with the group for a long, long time.’
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MARTINEZ has to go. It’s been an appalling season and if beating QPR who could have been two up before we ever looked like scoring is now considered some kind of pinnacle, the Marinez aspirations are not Everton fans’. We beat a rudderless Newcastle, but bottom club Leicester wiped the floor with us as did Hull. Martinez’s lack of Managemnt skills perfectly illustrated by the Mirrallas penalty incident. Alcaraz must be one of the most inadequate footballers to wear an Everton shirt, not a single club in all four top divisions in England woukd take him he’s that bad, Martinez even after that X rated performance against Kiev still selected him on the bench…insanity or blindness. I ward has been inconsistent at best, Barry sadly after a great season last time woefully error strewn. Players like Barkley totally lost. Kenworthy needs to bite the bucket and get rid and do it now….I can’t believe there’d be a single complaint.