Everton head into the game against Stoke City in high spirits after their 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Blues boss Roberto Martinez offered insight into the game against Stoke City, his targets for this season, the form of Ross Barkley and getting back to basics as a team.
Martinez on setting targets
After being knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Manchester City, the Blues have had to re-evaluate their targets for this season and Martinez wants to go forward in the Premier League and FA Cup.
He said that the Capital One Cup disappointment left his side “really, really disappointed” but that it is “inspiration to go forward” in other avenues.
The boss said that his side has suffered a “painful experience” but that they need those experiences to learn as a squad.
Martinez on Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley is in sensational form at the minute for Everton. The game against Newcastle was his 100th Premier League appearance for the Toffees and Roberto Martinez believes he is only going to get better.
Speaking on the midfielder, The manager said that Barkley is “an important player, not a young player any more.” Martinez has been backing Barkley to reach his potential since he took over as Everton boss and wants to see more from the midfielder.
Martinez said all he wants from Barkley is “consistency” and to carry on having “an influence in front of goal.”
Martinez on getting ugly
The win over Newcastle United was in part thanks to a gritty, determined performance from Everton as a team. They defended well, worked hard in midfield and did a tonne of running in the forward areas to trouble the opposition.
When asked if his side were going to continue in this style and maybe get a little uglier and grittier, Martinez said he wasn’t really considering because “we are very proud of what we do.” In the previous meeting with Stoke City, the Blues led 3-2 but lost the game 4-3.
The Blues boss used this in his answer saying that his side “wanted to control the game” but that the experience will make his side “better.”
Injuries and fitness
Romelu Lukaku was substituted during the win over Newcastle due to injury and the Everton boss admitted that he is touch and go for Stoke City. Lukaku was struggling to walk after his injury against Newcastle but Martinez said he has been a lot “freer” in his movement since.
Kevin Mirallas should be back for the trip to face Stoke City. The winger missed the game against Newcastle United on Wednesday and will be a welcome addition back into Martinez’s side.
Tim Howard is out once again so Joel Robles will continue in goal. Robles has kept back to back clean sheets in the wins over Newcastle and Carlisle United and will be pushing to make the spot his on a regular basis.
John Stones is also still out with a hamstring and may return next week for the visit of West Bromwich Albion. Martinez noted during the week that Stones had a niggle in his hamstring.