The Everton manager thinks his side are finding their defensive solidarity once again.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is pleased to see his side’s defensive strength returning following a narrow victory over Crystal Palace, according to the club’s official website.
The 1-0 win over Alan Pardew’s side saw the Toffees collect a second successive clean sheet, following a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion, and their manager believes his side have started to rediscover their intensity.
The victory at Selhurst Park was built upon some resilient Everton defending, with captain Phil Jagielka denying striker Dwight Gayle with a goal line clearance shortly after the Blues had taken the lead through Romelu Lukaku’s early goal.
His defensive partner John Stones was also in fine form, blocking everything the Palace forward line had to offer, and Martinez has praised the doggedness of their defending.
“The concentration and intensity in our defending was fantastic,” Martinez told evertontv.
“Joel in goal and the two centre-halves, every player had an incredible focus. It was a well-deserved clean sheet. Even though we scored so early, we defended really well. You need to get the balance right against a team that can put the ball in the box. They challenged every ball and I thought we stood up really well.”
Lukaku Praise
Lukaku’s early effort proved to be the winner in London, securing just Everton’s second win in 14 games in the process. It was also the Belgian’s first in the Premier League since the start of December.
However, it was the striker’s positioning and awareness, coupled with his desire to get inside the six-year area and score, which were the factors that pleased his manager.
“I thought he [Lukaku] was quite infectious in the way he worked hard for the team,” added Martinez.
“He gave everything. Rom deserved the goal and we were pleased with the way he contributed in other aspects of the game.”
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