While Everton may have progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals, the Blues still have a lot to do in the Premier League to turn around what has been a below average season. 

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Roberto Martinez acknowledged that there are still 30 points to play for in these last ten games, but to do well his team will have to “replicate the consistency” of the past few wins.

The last couple of wins for the Toffees have come against Aston Villa, Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth, in games where Martinez’s side have dominated proceedings and scored at the right times to get the win. 

Martinez on Arsenal

Roberto Martinez had been a man backed to eventually replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager once he eventually moves on. That has been a question that has risen between fans and pundits, when is the Frenchman's time up at the Gunners?

The Blues boss has backed up his managerial opposite, saying that nowadays “Everyone has to have an opinion, everyone seems to know better than you” and Martinez added that line of thinking is “disappointing.” 

Getting rid of a manager that has been in charge for nearly 20 years is not something that should be done as a quick decision. Martinez added that the short-term thinking about recent results should not “overshadow work that has been done through the years.”

The Gunners still have a shot at winning the Premier League, and Martinez admits that his side will face “strong title contenders” on Saturday.

Arsenal celebrate a win over Everton earlier this season. Photo: Sportsmole
Arsenal celebrate a win over Everton. Photo: Getty

Martinez on the England squad

Leighton Baines, Tom Cleverley and Aaron Lennon have all missed out on call-ups to the England squad ahead of games with Germany and Holland but Roberto Martinez is happy with how they’ve been playing.

John Stones, Phil Jagielka and Ross Barkley all earned call-ups and Martinez accepted that is not picking the England squad. The Blues boss said that manager Roy Hodgson has a “terrific group of players to pick from.

Lennon missing out had raised eyebrows from many fans who believed his form had warranted a chance to prove himself once again on the national stage but Martinez is delighted he has him at his club.

In the past few games, Lennon has been a constant for the Blues in terms of hard work, scoring and setting up chances. Martinez complimented the winger, stating he has been “very impressive” and continues to be “influential in the final third.

Aaron Lennon celebrates his goal against Stoke City. Photo: Liverpool Echo
Aaron Lennon celebrates against Stoke City. Photo: Liverpool Echo

Injuries and fitness

Bryan Oviedo could miss out again, although he has returned to training following a chest infection. Leighton Baines and Muhamed Besic have come through recent injuries without any issues and should in the squad to face Arsenal. Kevin Mirallas and Gareth Barry are both suspended and will miss the game.

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About the author
Connor Bennett
Everton editor for VAVEL UK - contributing since 2015. Premier League accredited journalist. Journalism graduate from Liverpool. Writing about Football, eSports and the NFL. Email: [email protected] | Twitter: ConnorBennett14