Roberto Martinez claimed that he was happy with the intensity

Roberto Martinez claimed that he was happy with the intensity shown by his players in the recent 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Tottenham are the favourites for three points since they were coming into the match on a great run of form. There have been some surprises in recent times like the defeat against Newcastle United at home, but Spurs have largely been a well drilled team this season. Mauricio Pochettino has especially concentrated on improving the defence, which has looked very susceptible in the last five years. The work done by the former Southampton manager has paid off since Spurs are now the most efficient defence in the league.

Even though Everton did not keep a clean sheet, Martinez was happy with the way his team earned a 1-1 draw. The team had been suffering from a lot of criticism especially in terms of defence. Everton have had a poor record defensively under Martinez and this has only become worse in the 2015-16 season. Martinez has been told that the team has conceded a number of cheap goals in recent months. Hence, it was pleasing to see his defence put a great shift against the top four chasing Spurs. Winger Aaron Lennon scored a goal against his former club and it was also his first in front of the Everton supporters.

“We have been conceding goals cheaply at home and it was something we had to rectify. Eight goals conceded away and 20 at Goodison.In the first half we had that in our minds and we defended with intensity. We stopped the main players from getting on the ball; Kane, Lamela, Eriksen, even Dele Alli.We looked dangerous on the ball, we were unfortunate in a couple of decisions, an offside that was right but was very close,” said Martinez.

Roberto Martinez claimed that he was happy with the intensity shown by his players in the recent 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Tottenham are the favourites for three points since they were coming into the match on a great run of form. There have been some surprises in recent times like the defeat against Newcastle United at home, but Spurs have largely been a well drilled team this season. Mauricio Pochettino has especially concentrated on improving the defence, which has looked very susceptible in the last five years. The work done by the former Southampton manager has paid off since Spurs are now the most efficient defence in the league.

Even though Everton did not keep a clean sheet, Martinez was happy with the way his team earned a 1-1 draw. The team had been suffering from a lot of criticism especially in terms of defence. Everton have had a poor record defensively under Martinez and this has only become worse in the 2015-16 season. Martinez has been told that the team has conceded a number of cheap goals in recent months. Hence, it was pleasing to see his defence put a great shift against the top four chasing Spurs. Winger Aaron Lennon scored a goal against his former club and it was also his first in front of the Everton supporters.

“We have been conceding goals cheaply at home and it was something we had to rectify. Eight goals conceded away and 20 at Goodison.In the first half we had that in our minds and we defended with intensity. We stopped the main players from getting on the ball; Kane, Lamela, Eriksen, even Dele Alli.We looked dangerous on the ball, we were unfortunate in a couple of decisions, an offside that was right but was very close,” said Martinez.