Roberto Martinez has spoken to the media ahead of Everton’s trip to face Arsenal. He discussed Everton’s need to bounce back, Kevin Mirallas, the opposition, injuries and fitness.
Manchester United result was uncharacteristic
Roberto Martinez said that Everton’s performance and result against Manchester United was “uncharacteristic” and the Blues will have to bounce back quickly against Arsenal.
The 3-0 defeat to Manchester United brought to an end Everton’s seven game unbeaten run and Martinez said Everton need to get back to their “normal, dynamic approach” to pick up a result against Arsenal.
Everton have not beaten Arsenal away in nearly 20 years and will need to be in top form to beat the red hot Gunners who are buoyant after beating Bayern Munich in midweek.
Martinez himself admitted Arsenal are in their “best moment of their season.”
Mirallas ready to contribute
Kevin Mirallas has struggled to get into the Everton team in recent months but Roberto Martinez has said Mirallas will have a “massive say” in the Toffees next run of fixtures.
Martinez said Mirallas has been “unfortunate” with his start to the season but he expects Mirallas to “discover the momentum” needed to have a say in Everton’s next fixtures.
The Everton boss continued to say that Mirallas is a “really important player” for Everton and that will “never change.”
He also said that the Belgian brings a “unique goalscoring threat” that any side would need to be successful.
The opposition, Arsenal
Roberto Martinez does not expect a Champions League “hangover” from Arsenal. The Everton boss says Arsenal will be able to “cope” with a number of games in only a few days.
Martinez credits Arsenal’s experience in this sort of situation because they have faced these situations “many, many times” in the past.
The Toffees boss continued to talk about his admiration for Arsenal and Arséne Wenger. He said Wenger is the “best man for the job” and that Arsenal will be “buoyant” after their result against Bayern Munich.
Cleverley could return against Arsenal
Tom Cleverley has been out injured for nearly two months but Roberto Martinez said he could return against Arsenal.
Cleverley played for Everton U21’s in midweek against Schalke and Martinez said he will see how he “reacts from the game” to see whether or not he’s in contention against Arsenal.
Martinez said that from a medical point of view, Cleverley is “100% ready” and it is now just about working on his fitness than anything else.
Cleverley’s return will be a big boost for Everton as he gives the blues another player who can keep hold of the ball while players get into better positions.