Roberto Martinez' Everton side face Norwich City in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday evening as he looks to cement a place in the round.

"We have a long-term ambition to become a winning team," Martinez told reporters. "The only thing that matters now is to get in the quarter-finals of this competition."

Everton goalkeeping dilemma 

The 42-year-old faces a challenge regarding Everton’s goalkeeping situation. He has already confirmed Joel Robles will face Norwich City but past that, it’s a toss up.

Tim Howard came under major criticism from Everton fans - after a very poor performance against Arsenal - but Martinez would not place the blame fully on the American.

Martinez also said that Howard is “critical” of his own performances and won’t be “happy” conceding two goals in quick succession. 

The Everton boss said that his side “switched off” defensively for a “crazy period” which allowed Arsenal to take control of the game. 

Martinez said that footballers go through “good and bad moments” and in Howard’s case, he needs no “protection” from the criticism he received after his performance. 

The Spaniard placed blame on Everton’s “defensive intensity” saying it is “important” but his side did not play to the levels needed to stop Arsenal.

Robles will have the chance to make his case to start against Sunderland in the Premier League during the Norwich City tie.

Robles has not been in the best of form for the Capital One Cup this season, conceding in both games he’s played in - including conceding three away to Barnsley

Treatment of Gerard Deulofeu 

Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu was The Toffees major threat against Arsenal, drawing a number of fouls from the Gunners defence as they looked to limit his options.

Martinez said that it is “natural” for Deulofeu to suffer contact because he is a winger but he has to readapt to the English intensity of football.

The Everton boss said that in Spain, Deulofeu may have won the free-kick, but you’re “allowed more contact” in England.

The winger has matured a lot since his initial loan spell at Goodison Park two years ago but still has a way to go before he reaches his full potential. 

Martinez acknowledged this but said that there are still “things to learn” for Deulofeu. 

Injuries and fitness

Everton lost Phil Jagielka to injury against Arsenal and Martinez said he will be out for up to eight or nine weeks. Martinez described losing his captain as a “huge miss” and the Blues may suffer without their skipper. 

Ramiro Funes Mori will deputise for the 33-year-old and could make that role his own.

The Argentine has put in a number of impressive performances since joining the Blues from River Plate in the summer. 

The Toffees welcomed Tom Cleverley back from injury against Arsenal and he could be in contention to play against Norwich City.

Martinez said that Leighton Baines, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar still need a little more time before they can be “considered for the squad.” 

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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