Lukaku wants 'top-club' move

Romelu Lukaku has said he hopes to leave Everton for "a top club" less than a year after his permanent summer switch.

Romelu Lukaku: Everton striker wants to 'arrive at a top club again'

Everton broke their transfer record when they paid Chelsea £28m for the Belgium striker in the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old was a big success on loan at Goodison Park from the Blues in the 2013-14 season but has struggled to repeat that form this year, although he has still scored 10 times in 36 appearances.

He played the full 90 minutes of Everton's 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, where he was pleased with the reception he got from the home fans and also spoke of his desire to move on to bigger things.

“It was brilliant to play at Chelsea and I had a good reception,” Lukaku told The Sun.

“They know I’m a good player but that I want to develop so I can eventually get back to playing for a club like Chelsea.

“I don’t have a secret ambition to rejoin — there are other clubs in the world. I just want to grow as a player and eventually arrive at a top club again.”

post from sitemap

No FA charge for Ivanovic

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic will not face any further action in relation to an incident involving Everton’s James McCarthy during the match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Branislav Ivanovic: Won't face any punishment from the FA

However both clubs have been charged for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.

The flashpoint occurred in the 86th minute following the dismissal of Gareth Barry as players from both sides confronted each other. Ivanovic grabbed McCarthy around the neck before appearing to move his head towards him; the Everton man was booked his part in the fracas but Ivanovic was not.

In Premier League matches, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel of former elite referees will be asked by the Football Association to review it and advise what, if any, action they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time.

For an FA charge to follow, all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence; in this instance, the panel did not believe the conduct was worthy of a dismissal.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho refused to discuss the issue after his side’s 1-0 win, threatening to walk out of his press conference when asked about Ivanovic's role.

"I'm concerned with my reaction, because one more question (and) I leave,” he said. "And after that, you are not happy. The next question for that story, I have to go."

However, Everton boss Roberto Martinez was more forthcoming, stressing that he felt Ivanovic should have been sent off.

He said: "If you look at the images, Ivanovic's behaviour is wrong. That shouldn't be allowed. He grabs James McCarthy around his neck in a very forceful manner, then he puts his head against him when James McCarthy never reacted one single bit. If you want to be on top of the laws, that's a red card. We got nothing out of that moment."

Meanwhile both Chelsea and Everton have been have until 6pm on Tuesday 17 February 2015 to respond to the charge of failing to control their players.

post from sitemap

No FA charge for Ivanovic

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic will not face any further action in relation to an incident involving Everton’s James McCarthy during the match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Branislav Ivanovic: Won't face any punishment from the FA

However both clubs have been charged for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.

The flashpoint occurred in the 86th minute following the dismissal of Gareth Barry as players from both sides confronted each other. Ivanovic grabbed McCarthy around the neck before appearing to move his head towards him; the Everton man was booked his part in the fracas but Ivanovic was not.

In Premier League matches, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel of former elite referees will be asked by the Football Association to review it and advise what, if any, action they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time.

For an FA charge to follow, all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence; in this instance, the panel did not believe the conduct was worthy of a dismissal.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho refused to discuss the issue after his side’s 1-0 win, threatening to walk out of his press conference when asked about Ivanovic's role.

"I'm concerned with my reaction, because one more question (and) I leave,” he said. "And after that, you are not happy. The next question for that story, I have to go."

However, Everton boss Roberto Martinez was more forthcoming, stressing that he felt Ivanovic should have been sent off.

He said: "If you look at the images, Ivanovic's behaviour is wrong. That shouldn't be allowed. He grabs James McCarthy around his neck in a very forceful manner, then he puts his head against him when James McCarthy never reacted one single bit. If you want to be on top of the laws, that's a red card. We got nothing out of that moment."

Meanwhile both Chelsea and Everton have been have until 6pm on Tuesday 17 February 2015 to respond to the charge of failing to control their players.

post from sitemap

FA looking at Ivanovic incident

The FA are reviewing video evidence of Branislav Ivanovic's altercation with James McCarthy during Wednesday's game between Chelsea and Everton.

James McCarthy and Branislav Ivanovic clash at Stamford Bridge

The incident occurred late on during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge - which Chelsea won 1-0 - after Everton's Gareth Barry was sent off for a trip on Willian.

A mass confrontation ensured and Ivanovic grabbed McCarthy around the neck before appearing to move his head towards him. McCarthy was booked his part in the fracas but Ivanovic was not and could face retrospective action.

The FA are awaiting the referee's report and have two days to decide on what action - if any - to take.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho refused to discuss the issue after the match and threatened to walk out of his post-match news conference when asked about Ivanovic's role.

"I'm concerned with my reaction, because one more question (and) I leave,” he said.

"And after that, you are not happy. The next question for that story, I have to go."

However, Everton boss Roberto Martinez was more forthcoming and told his news conference he felt Ivanovic should have been sent off.

"If you look at the images, Ivanovic's behaviour is wrong. That shouldn't be allowed,” he said.

"He grabs James McCarthy around his neck in a very forceful manner, then he puts his head against him when James McCarthy never reacted one single bit.

"If you want to be on top of the laws, that's a red card. We got nothing out of that moment."

post from sitemap

Chelsea edge stormy contest

Chelsea maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Everton in a tempestuous clash at Stamford Bridge.

Willian (L): Scored winner in 89th minute to maintain Chelsea's lead

Willian broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when his smart volley from outside the penalty area deflected off Steven Naismith and sneaked past Tim Howard.

The match-winning goal came moments after Gareth Barry was sent off for a second yellow card - but in the same melee, Branislav Ivanovic avoided any sanction for an apparent attempted headbutt on James McCarthy.

Chelsea were repeatedly denied by Howard on his first appearance since picking up a calf injury on Boxing Day, but looked to have taken the lead in the second half when Nemanja Matic fired into the net from the edge of the box.

The goal was disallowed, however, after the ball bounced off Ivanovic on its way past the Everton goalkeeper and the assistant referee flagged for offside.

Everton also had chances to take the lead after the break. Romelu Lukaku connected with Bryan Oviedo’s fizzing cross from close range but Petr Cech was quick to react, saving with his feet to keep the score level.

Chelsea could have opened the scoring in the first half. Matic and Willian fired early efforts over the bar from the edge of the penalty area, before Lukaku hit back for Everton with a low drive straight at Cech.

Chelsea continued to press before the break and Eden Hazard narrowly failed to connect with Cesar Azpilicueta’s floated cross.

The Belgian then hit a powerful strike that Howard gathered at the second attempt, with Lukaku following his compatriot’s lead and testing Cech again from distance.

Everton sent on Kevin Mirallas in the closing stages and the winger immediately fired over from distance.

It was Chelsea who eventually found the breakthrough, though, with Willian beating Howard at the death to maintain the hosts' seven-point lead at the top of the table.

Player ratings

Chelsea: Cech (8), Ivanovic (7), Zouma (6), Terry (6), Azpilicueta (7), Ramires (7), Matic (8), Cuadrado (7), Willian (8), Hazard (8), Remy (7). 

Used subs: Drogba (6), Fabregas (7), Cahill (5).

Everton: Howard (8), Coleman (7), Stones (7), Jagielka (6), Oviedo (6), Besic (7), Barry (5), Lennon (5), Naismith (6), Barkley (6), Lukaku (7). 

Used subs: McCarthy (6), Mirallas (6), Gibson (6).

Man of the match: Tim Howard

See all the Premier League goals on SSNHQ from midnight - or from 6am on Good Morning Sports Fans.

post from sitemap

Lennon: I'll prove my point

Aaron Lennon intends to use his loan spell at Everton to remind people of his capabilities and regain a place in the England squad.

Aaron Lennon: Out to impress at Everton

The winger, 27, made just three Premier League starts for Tottenham this season, the last of those on December 6.

So when the transfer window opened he was desperate to move out on loan.

He made his Toffees debut as a substitute in the goalless Merseyside derby at the weekend but is looking to get up to speed quickly to prove he still has something to offer.

"It's been a tough year. I've hardly played at all this season. It's something I've not been used to before," he said.

"I've been used to playing week in, week out throughout my career and this has been the first season when I've not been involved so it's been tough to deal with that.

"You've got to be professional in situations like that. He (Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino) hasn't really explained why I've been left out.

"He didn't say much at all, just that I could go when it came to the end of the window. I've just kept training hard and hopefully I can take this opportunity with Everton.

"I still feel I'm capable of doing it for England. Hopefully if I can get a run of games and get back to the level of form I know I can reach then who knows?"

Lennon's arrival on Merseyside was more memorable for his photoshoot with the club shirt – in which he looked less than thrilled to be at Goodison Park. The pictures went went viral but he admits his expression was down to his discomfort being in front of a lens and not joining the Toffees.

And he said his mother would not have been happy with the pictures.

"I've been getting a lot of stick about the photos to be fair," he added. "It's all good banter though, on Twitter, from the lads here and from my mates as well.

"I'm not the best with photos at any time to be honest - I never smile and my mum tells me that all the time. It was nothing really. The photos might not have looked that way but I'm buzzing to be at Everton.

"A few clubs came in but as soon as I heard Everton were in that was my only choice: as soon as the call came I couldn't wait to get up the motorway.

"The manager (Roberto Martinez) and the staff here have been brilliant in helping me settle in straight away. They've made it easy to settle in so far.

"My immediate aim is to help Everton as much as I can. I don't think it's about proving myself again but I've not played much football this season so sometimes you do drop a level and people start forgetting about you.  Hopefully I remind people quickly at Everton.”

post from sitemap

Howard back in Everton frame

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is set to make his comeback in Wednesday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Tim Howard: Everton goalkeeper fully fit again

Howard has not yet featured since suffering a calf problem during the 1-0 Boxing Day defeat to Stoke at Goodison Park.

However, the 35-year-old United States international is now back in training and poised to return against the Premier League leaders despite the fine form of his deputy Joel Robles, who has kept clean sheets in his last three games, including Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: "Tim has been working really well. He trained well on Monday, so I expect that he is fully fit now for any sort of games.

"Whenever Tim is fit, he is our number one, with the experience he has and what he represents in the squad. I have total faith in him and it is great to see him fit and training again and having a massive influence in our squad.

"The goalkeeping position is different to any outfield one - I do feel the outfield positions are more about moments of form, ways of playing against the opposition, different ways of approaching games.

"But in goal, I think you need a bit of stability. Joel has been really good - I have been so pleased with his last two performances.

"I think the clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Liverpool have shown the size of the goalkeeper we have.

"He is still a young man in terms of amount of games, but he is someone with a real good future. I have been so proud of his performances."

Seamus Coleman continues to be linked with a big-money summer move to Manchester United, with former Old Trafford full-back Dennis Irwin saying the 26-year-old should consider leaving Goodison Park.

But Martinez says that Coleman can continue on his trajectory to 'world class' at Everton. 

He (Irwin) is making a judgement about a player who is very important for us," he said.

"I still think Seamus Coleman can develop and progress with Everton.

"At the moment he is enjoying his football, I think he has an important role in our side and I think this is the best place for him to develop and fulfil his potential.

"He is a world-class footballer in the way he performed last season."

Follow the midweek Premier League games on Soccer Special, see highlights on Match Choice and see all of the goals on Sky Sports News HQ from midnight.

post from sitemap

Gerrard denied in derby draw

Steven Gerrard had to settle for a point in his final Merseyside derby as Liverpool and Everton played out a goalless draw at Goodison Park.

Steven Gerrard: Couldn't inspire Liverpool to victory

Both sides started the game in typically frenetic fashion but it was the visitors who made the better of the first half chances as last-minute addition Jordon Ibe rattled the frame of the goal before Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling called Joel Robles into a string of saves.

Romelu Lukaku and Steven Naismith combined well in and around the Liverpool area but struggled to create a clear sight of goal in the first half.

Gerrard almost snatched the points with an acrobatic effort but found Naismith in his way.

Brendan Rodgers' side pushed for the opener in the second half as Daniel Sturridge was introduced, but Robles, and some resolute defending from both sides, ensured the game would end goalless.

Ross Barkley's inclusion late on opened the game up for both sides and he set up Seamus Coleman at the death to win it for the Toffees but Simon Mignolet produced a fine save as both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Liverpool remain seventh after the draw, four points adrift of the top four while Everton moved a point closer to the top half of the table, they remain 12th.

A raucous atmosphere at Goodison was met by a tense and tactical opening, as both sides jostled for supremacy.

Sterling was lively from the off and looked to exert his pace early on. However, having collected Coutinho’s through ball and drawn Robles off his line, should have done more than hit the side-netting after eight minutes. Gerrard called the Toffees keeper into action minutes later as his free kick was tipped out for a corner.

Lucas Leiva went off injured on the quarter-hour mark but Liverpool were unfazed as Robles was called into action again, this time denying Jordon Ibe from a yard as he tried to tap home Sterling’s deflected effort.

Everton responded midway through the half and could have broken the deadlock had Naismith read the flight of Coleman’s cross and got an effort away.

The best opportunity of the half was created by the 19-year-old Ibe who, after collecting the ball inside the Everton half and running towards goal, unleashed a thunderous drive which rattled the frame of the goal.

Everton rallied but couldn’t get a clear sight of the Liverpool goal and it was Robles who was called into action again as Coutinho looked to replicate his FA Cup goal against Bolton, but the keeper was pulled off another save.

Daniel Sturridge was brought on five minutes after the break but Liverpool had a string of chances before he entered the fray.

After Gareth Barry’s error, Coutinho rushed his pass and failed to find one of the four team-mates he had in support. He made no mistake in finding a team-mate moments later as he threaded the ball into Sterling, but his shot drew another save from Robles.

And from the resulting corner Gerrard almost broke the deadlock in style with an acrobatic volley which was deflected wide of Naismith.

Ibe continued to run Everton full-back Bryan Oviedo ragged down the right and Sturridge almost benefitted from his efforts, but the substitutes attempt was blocked in the goal mouth.

Things came to a head ten minutes from time as Muhamed Besic’s challenge on Ibe sparked an altercation which lead to Jordan Henderson and Naismith being booked, along with the Bosnia international for his initial challenge.

Barkley’s inclusion opened up the game in a frantic final few minutes but neither fellow substitute Rickie Lambert, Coleman nor Gerrard couldn’t capitalise on the nature of the game to give their sides the advantage.

Player ratings

Everton: Robles (7), Coleman (7), Stones (6), Jagielka (6), Oviedo (5), McCarthy (6), Barry (6), Besic (6), Naismith (7), Lukaku (6), Mirallas (7).

Used subs: barkley (7), Lennon (5), Alcaraz (5).

Liverpool: Mignolet (7), Can (7), Skrtel (6), Ibe (8), Henderson (6), Lucas (4), Moreno (6), gerrard (7), Sterling (7), Coutinho (7).

Used subs: Lambert (6), Sturridge (6), Allen (6). 

Man of the Match: Jordon Ibe.

post from sitemap

Martinez: It's all about us

Everton manager Roberto Martinez wants the spotlight to be on his players only in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Roberto Martinez: Everton manager wants the focus to be on his players only in t

Steven Gerrard is due to play for Liverpool against their city rivals for the final time on Saturday and he has spoken about making a lasting impact in his final derby.

But Martinez is not interested in discussing Gerrard and instead wants the weekend meeting at Goodison Park to be all about his own team.

"When we play the Merseyside derby at Goodison, we want it to be our Merseyside derby and that's the only thing we are looking at,” he said.

"As a football club, we have been in a period when we haven't been enjoying the results that we wanted, so we will look forward to it being our Merseyside derby."

Romelu Lukaku goes into the game as the one to watch on the blue side of the derby divide following his brace of goals in the 3-3 draw between the teams last season.

Those strikes appeared to have set the Toffees on their way to a victory at Goodison only for a late Daniel Sturridge equaliser to deprive them of a rare victory.

Lukaku has had his critics this season but Martinez has been pleased with the form of the striker, who has scored three times in his past five games, including the winner at Crystal Palace last weekend.

"That he is 21 and could play his 100th game in the Premier League at the weekend, it is an incredible figure," Martinez said.

"He is in a moment where he is enjoying his football and he already has a goal more than he had last season at this stage.

"He is a player who is going to grow, and we want to go with him to reach our full potential.

"I'm very pleased with the way Romelu has been adapting in a demanding season."

Liverpool go into the game seventh in the Premier League and 12 points above 12th-placed Everton but Martinez is confident the match will be a competitive and entertaining affair.

"These derbies are special,” he said. "When you are involved and on the inside, you understand why it's such an incredible fixture in world football. It's everything that you expect and more in an intense derby.

"The last derby we had at Goodison - on top of all the emotions and what it means and the rivalry in the city - was a phenomenal game with plenty of goals between two teams with a really attacking mindset.

"I do expect very much the same from two teams who are going into the game in very good moments of form.

"Liverpool have found a way of performing and are enjoying a good run, and we feel in a similar situation in terms of the confidence from the win that we had against Crystal Palace."

Catch the Merseyside derby on Saturday at 5.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.

post from sitemap

Carra: Gerrard's derby dream

Steven Gerrard will be out to make a mark in his last Merseyside derby, says Jamie Carragher.

Steven Gerrard scored the opening goal in last season's 4-0 Premier League thras

The Liverpool midfielder is set to feature in his 33rd – and final – clash with Everton on Saturday Night Football, ahead of a summer departure to LA Galaxy.

Gerrard scored in the 1-1 draw at Anfield in September to make it 10 goals in Merseyside showdowns, and Sky Sports expert Carragher says his former team-mate will be desperate to have a similar impact at the weekend.

"Stevie will want to go out with a bang," said Carragher, who played in 30 Merseyside derbies during his Liverpool career. 

"I was aware of my last derby, but we didn’t win it – it was 0-0 at Anfield.
 
"I remember Stevie’s first goal at Goodison – earlier in his career at the Gwladys Street End, when he had a bit of a set-to with the Everton fans while celebrating. He’d take that."

In form

The Reds go into Saturday’s clash in a rich vein of form, having gone seven unbeaten in the Premier League after last weekend’s 2-0 victory over West Ham.

Rodgers’ men are also still in the hunt for a trophy after Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho scored late goals against Bolton to set up a fifth-round FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace.
 
Everton, meanwhile, won at Crystal Palace last time out and are on a run of three league matches without defeat, so Carragher is expecting a full-blooded, entertaining encounter.
 
"Liverpool are in great form, and Everton are starting to come back now," he added.
 
"The Crystal Palace result was huge, not just because of where they are in the table, but because Palace had been on fire since Alan Pardew had taken over. It has all the makings of a great game.
 
"Everton have struggled defensively this season, but I think after John Stones has come back into the side, there has been a a bit of a difference.
 
"But he will have his work cut out with Daniel Sturridge back – the best English striker around.
 
"Him coming back is a massive lift, and with Raheem Sterling dropping back alongside Coutinho and Lallana it looks exciting.
 
"There will be goals in this. It is a difficult one to call, but I am siding with Liverpool as they are in better form."

Watch Everton v Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 from 4.45pm on Saturday.

Jamie Carragher was speaking at an enrolment day for The Jamie Carragher Sports & Learning Academy, a vocational course aimed at 16-19-year-olds who wish to combine progression in football – either playing or coaching – with physical education, sports coaching and sports development.

post from sitemap

Lennon: Decision was easy

Everton new boy Aaron Lennon says joining the Merseyside club on loan from Tottenham was an "easy decision" for him.

Aaron Lennon: Has joined Everton on loan until the end of the season

The 27-year-old winger has been capped 21 times by England but he has not been a regular at White Hart Lane of late.

And several Premier League clubs were linked with loan moves for Lennon as deadline day drew near but he says Everton was the move which excited him the most.

"I'm delighted," he told the Everton website.

"It's obviously been a tough start to the year for me, but I was over the moon when I got the call.

"It was a hectic day yesterday and it was a busy weekend, too. I was speaking to a lot of clubs, a lot of managers, but this was the one I wanted.

"Finally, when I got the call from Everton, there wasn't really a choice, I just couldn't wait to get up here and I'm glad it was all sorted.

"Everything about Everton made me excited to join.

"I've always liked the club, the way the manager (Roberto Martinez) has got the team playing, and the squad that they have. It was the most attractive to me and it was an easy decision."

Everton will entertain local rivals Liverpool on Saturday night and Martinez says Lennon is likely to be thrown straight into the action.

“We need to see where he is physically and his match fitness, but he has been involved in 17 games in half of a season which is a good return," said Martinez.

"He is a player that will look forward to these games and, from our point of view, it's the perfect baptism at our club.

“To go into a Merseyside derby is a really interesting start. It's not going to faze him."

post from sitemap

Lennon joins Everton on loan

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has joined Everton on loan for the rest of the season.

Aaron Lennon: Had a plethora of Premier League clubs interested in his services

Sky Sports reported on Friday that Hull were in talks to sign the 27-year-old, but he was understood to have had the choice over a plethora of clubs that also included Leicester City and Stoke.

Lennon’s motivation is to play regular first team football after failing to establish himself in Mauricio Pochettino’s first team this season.

Sky Sports reported early in the window that Spurs had made it known early in the window that they were prepared to sell him on a permanent deal.

However, a number of clubs have found it difficult to reach an agreement with Tottenham on that basis, and therefore Lennon has moved on a loan that does not have any further commitments.

He will reassess his options in the summer.

Lennon, who has 21 caps for England, has scored 30 goals in all competitions in almost 10 years at White Hart Lane, having made more than 300 appearances since he signed from Leeds for just £1m in the summer of 2005.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez hopes the midfielder, who won the last of his 21 England caps two years ago, will inject some life into his side, who are 12th in the Premier League.

"We all know what Aaron will bring to our squad with his experience and know-how, his involvement with England in two World Cups and the landmarks he has set in the Premier League," Martinez told Everton's website.

"At 27, Aaron will be a really important asset to our squad and he will represent a real boost in terms of attacking options from now to the end of the season. His pace and trickery will fit in well at Goodison."

post from sitemap

Jagielka: Let's go on a run

Everton captain Phi Jagielka thinks Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace was a timely boost ahead of the Merseyside derby at home to Liverpool next weekend.

Phil Jagielka: Says victory at Selhurst Park was a welcome boost ahead of some t

Roberto Martinez’s side went into Saturday’s match under pressure after a run of just one win in 13 in all competitions.

But they got back on track ahead of tough matches against their local rivals and then league leaders Chelsea, thanks to an early goal from Romelu Lukaku.

And England defender Jagielka said: “We have got a win that has been long overdue and hopefully we can go on a run.

"Not many of the boys would have needed a lift going into the derby but it wouldn't have been nice going into it, if we hadn't have got the win.

"The way things go, especially in football, we tend to build people up very quickly and shoot them down just as quickly.

"That is the same with us. The manager and the players, we have taken a lot of stick, but people pay a lot of money to come and see us play.

“They are allowed their opinion, we understand that, and we know that is the nature of the beast. Win, and you are superstars.

"A 1-0 win doesn't make us superstars yet, but a victory next week against Liverpool might.”

Everton are now 12th, seven points clear of the drop zone, but Jagielka says they will not be taking their Premier Leageu status for granted.

"There is still a long way to go in the season,” he said. “We have got a lot of confidence in this squad but, when you are not winning games or picking up three points, that gap gets smaller and smaller.

"We know we have got a difficult run coming up and, as players, you can’t help but look to the future and know you have to start winning sooner or later.

"With the squad that the manager has got here, we shouldn't be looking over our shoulder, but we are not stupid enough to think that we are too good not to."

post from sitemap

'Immense' win pleases Martinez

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has urged his side to kick-on and fulfil their potential after returning to winning ways away at Crystal Palace.

Roberto Martinez: Happy with win at Selhurst Park

Romelu Lukaku’s second minute goal proved to be the difference at Selhurst Park, as the Toffees secured a 1-0 victory to end their run of six Premier League games without a win.

Everton had failed to register an away victory since beating Burnley in October prior to victory in South London, and Martinez feels the win could be a real turning point.

“It feels like a real start in our season,” Martinez told Sky Sports. “We want to get a good momentum and I feel now in terms of the squad we feel in a position that we can start showing the level we can reach.

“I think that it has been very tough for us to come to terms with many things not going our way and not being able to fulfil our potential, but today’s win is immense.

“From the first second that we got our goal we defended really well, we always carried a real threat and it was a well-deserved three points.”

A second successive clean sheet gave Everton their first back-to-back league shutouts since April, with the win moving the Toffees seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Victory was Everton’s first in nine in all competitions, but Martinez had plenty of reasons why the three points were extra special.

“Not just because they (Palace) are on a fantastic run of form, but the way they’ve been scoring goals with ease,” he added.

“I don’t think we’ve had the best of luck with Palace in the past few seasons, so it was great today to be so professional and so strong in our performance.

“I thought John (Stones) and Phil (Jagielka) show a better understanding game and game, and Joel (Robles) as well didn’t put a foot wrong. Very commanding, very confident and that gives you a very strong platform that you need in a place like today to get a positive result.” 

post from sitemap

Martinez looks to kickstart season

Roberto Martinez believes Everton are stronger than they were a year ago and says the club need just one win to kickstart their season.

Roberto Martinez: Chasing a crucial win

A run of six games without a win has left Everton just four points above the relegation zone while at the same stage last season they sat sixth, one point out of the Champions League places.

"I think confidence is an aspect you can turn around really quickly," said Martinez. "I think a win gives you confidence. You need to work on any aspect to get you a win.

"You need to make it really simple and once you get that  win then the confidence and momentum triggers and it comes naturally to your way of playing.

"As a team we know what we can produce. We showed last season the level we can produce and if anything we are a stronger team than we were last season, in terms of experience and in terms of the players growing.

"That is a good level to look for, but it is important to get that belief and confidence that comes from winning feelings.

'Confidence'

"We know we are missing points. All we want is to win games and then we must try to accumulate as many points as quickly as we can going into the final third of the season."

Everton's search for a win - they have achieved just one in their last 13 games - takes them to Crystal Palace on Saturday

Martinez, who has not beaten Palace as Everton manager, said: "We are facing a team full of confidence. They have scored six goals away from home in the last two games. Obviously they are in a very good moment, if not the best moment of their season.

"We are well aware how difficult it is to play this side, they have been a bit of a bogey side for us in the last three games. They bring a lot of flair they have got a lot of pace and they defend extremely well. They are very well organised.

"Obviously with the new manager coming in they are adapting to a different way of playing but while that transition has been happening they are full of confidence and they are a very dangerous team to play against."

post from sitemap

'No need to replace Eto'o'

Roberto Martinez is confident Everton already have enough cover in their squad to deal with the loss of Samuel Eto'o.

Roberto Martinez: Back from warm-weather training break in Qatar

Eto'o's spell with Everton ended this week when he joined Sampdoria on a free transfer after just five months on Merseyside.

But the former Cameroon striker's exit will not necessarily mean a new arrival at Goodison Park this month, according to Martinez, who has Arouna Kone back after more than a year out.

"Kone is fully fit and ready to give a lot to the team, and I don't feel we need anyone to replace Samuel in that position," the Everton manager said.

"Obviously we have players who have been performing in that No 10 position, the likes of Ross Barkley and Steven Naismith, so I feel we are strong in that department."

Martinez has just five days to strengthen his squad, but his focus is on restoring confidence to a group of players who challenged for a Champions League place last season but have won just once since November.

"It's hard to tell (if we will do any business)," he said. "I think we're not looking at this window to try to find solutions. All the work we did in the summer was to have a strong enough squad to face all the competitions.

"I still feel the work is to try to get the players back in their confident mood. We haven't lost any of the talent we had last season, and the work is to try to recover that. I feel we've got a very strong squad looking ahead to the second half of the season,"

In the short term Martinez hopes to have midfielder James McCarthy available for the first time this year when Everton go to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland international has been out since December 28 with a hamstring problem but worked with the squad on their warm-weather training break in Qatar.

Martinez said: "The break really helped Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy - both have a chance of being involved on Saturday."

Mirallas was substituted with a hamstring niggle at half-time during Everton's goalless draw with West Brom earlier this month - moments after missing a penalty.

post from sitemap

Martinez: No need for new recruits

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has said he is not looking to replace Samuel Eto'o before the end of the transfer window.

Roberto Martinez: No need to bring in another striker

Eto’o’s move to Sampdoria was confirmed on Tuesday and Martinez sees Arouna Kone, who is fit again after a long-term knee injury, as the player to fill his shoes.

Everton have failed to win any of their last eight games, but Martinez believes there is no need to bring in reinforcements.

He told the club's website: "January is not the place to find solutions. Our moment of form, we want to change, but the solutions are in the squad.

"With Arouna Kone being fully fit, I see him as a replacement for Samuel's position and it is more about trying to get the players back from injury.

"Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman have been two players missing throughout the season, which has been disappointing because they are important in the way we want to play.

"Leon played in every single game last season and we miss what he brings. So I am looking around that.”

post from sitemap

Eto'o leaves Everton for Italy

Samuel Eto'o has completed his free transfer from Everton to Sampdoria.

Samuel Eto'o: Previously played in Italy for Inter

Eto'o leaves Goodison Park just five months and 20 appearances after joining the club following the end of a spell at Chelsea.

An Everton statement said the Cameroon striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, but a tweet from the 33-year-old put the length of the contract at three-and-a-half years.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: "We thank Samuel for his efforts and for bringing his know-how to the team and to Finch Farm where he passed on some of his terrific experience to all of the young players in particular.

"The memory of his performances in Europe stand out especially. On behalf of all Evertonians, we wish him well for the next chapter in his career."

Eto'o, who previously spent two years in Serie A with Inter, scored four goals in his short time on Merseyside and helped Everton reach the knockout stage of the Europa League, where they will play Young Boys.

He wrote on his Instagram account: "Dear Toffees. I've been blessed to spend these past few months with you.

"To my pleasure, I have discovered here a crowd of warm, passionate, affectionate and supportive fans... It's time for me to leave, but wherever I go, I will bring with me all the memories we've built together."

post from sitemap

Sampdoria: Eto'o deal done

Sampdoria appear set to complete the signing of Samuel Eto'o, having published a picture of the experienced Everton forward wearing one of their t-shirts.

Samuel Eto'o: Set to leave Everton for Italy

It was reported earlier in the week that Eto'o had agreed an 18-month contract with the Serie A side, but the deal then seemed to stall..

However, on Saturday evening, the Italian club published a photo of Eto'o wearing a Sampdoria branded t-shirt on their social media outlets.

The caption read: "The first Blucerchiato smile for Eto'o at the end of his visit and waiting for his official introduction to #Sampdoria."

Eto’o is expected to be presented to the Sampdoria crowd ahead of Sunday’s Serie A match at home to Palermo.

The arrival of the 33-year-old former Barcelona, Inter and Chelsea man is likely to cause great excitement in the stands but Mihajlovic says his players must not get caught up in the atmosphere.

"Party, what party?" he said, when asked about Sunday’s match. "Eto'o is joining this team but he must not be a distraction.

"He's a great player, who has won everything, and that attracts a lot of attention from the media, but this should not distract us.

"The reason we are third is thanks to these guys, their commitment and their daily work."

Eto’o only joined Everton in August after a season at Chelsea but he has repeatedly been linked with a move to Sampdoria of late, reportedly due to his desire for more regular first-team football.

The prolific forward has won a series of honours in a hugely successful career, including a pair of Champions League victories with Barcelona and another with Inter.

He is set to join a Sampdoria team who are enjoying a fine campaign and they are joint third in Serie A alongside Napoli.

post from sitemap

Eto’o closes in on Sampdoria

Everton striker Samuel Eto’o is in Italy finalising a deal to join Serie A side Sampdoria, according to Sky sources..

Samuel Eto’o: On the verge of Sampdoria move

Sky Italia are reporting he has arrived in Italy to have a medical before completing a move to Genoa.

The 33-year-old is expected to earn £1million per season, on a two-and-a-half year deal, with the potential to become a club director once he has finished playing.

Sampdoria’s sporting director Carlo Osti announced on Wednesday that an agreement with Eto’o had almost been finalised with the former Inter Milan forward wanted 'keen to join the club'.

However, it is understoood Everton have yet to agree a deal to allow the former Chelsea and Barcelona star to leave Goodison for the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

New York Cosmos, who play in the North American Soccer League, have also shown interest in signing the Cameroon striker who has scored four goals in 20 appearances for Everton this season.

post from sitemap