Martinez praises Everton’s efforts after narrow home defeat

Sam Nightingale
Roberto Martinez: Has been criticised by sections of the fans

Roberto Martinez: Has been criticised by sections of the fans

Everton manager Roberto Martinez praised his team’s effort and performance after the Toffees lost 1-0 at home to West Brom.

The Toffees now have the worst home defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues and their manager could not offer much in the way of an excuse.

“It is the truth. We have conceded too many goals,” Martinez said. “Today that little bit of luck was not in our favour but we have to change that.

“The home form is where we were looking forward to get a fortress, to get good results even when you are not playing well, and it hasn’t been the case.

“We have been so strong away from home – that is where you get tested. We have got the best away record we have had for a long time.”

Martinez did not think the performance itself was especially bad, however.

“There is that element that sometimes a dominant performance doesn’t give you a good result and that was the story,” he said.

“We knew exactly what we were going to face. West Brom were organised, they were going to take 30 seconds over every dead-ball.

“They had one shot on target and we had over 30 attempts and hit the post and the crossbar. I thought the dominance deserved a better result.”