Roberto Martinez: We need to score more, especially from corners
Roberto Martinez has sent out a rallying cry to the Everton players and said that they need to learn from the mistakes made against Sunderland and put things right tomorrow against Southampton. Everton lost 1-0 against Sunderland thanks to a mistake from Leon Osman which sent Sunderland midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung clean through on Tim Howards goal, which caused the big American to trip the player and receive a red card.
Martinez had no complaints over the decision and thought Sunderland did well with their game plan and says the blues were unlucky not to take all 3 points.
“We have to remember that Sunderland came well organised,” Martinez said. “They had a solid structure behind the ball.
“But I thought the second half performance was terrific. We put Vitor Mannone’s goal under a lot of pressure. We didn’t get any points but performances like that will get us positive results over the course of the season.
“The players showed an incredible attitude and tactical understanding to cope with the numerical disadvantage. We created numerous chances and had 11 corners, but the only critical aspect is that we need to score goals when we get those sort of situations.
“We have to cope with it, move on and I do feel that we are stronger as a team after that performance.”
Martinez had absolutely no problems with the decision that the referee made and says it is within the laws of the game.
He added: “Obviously we made a bad decision that cost us a sending off and a goal. When a pass is on that’s a decision and when you receive the ball that’s another decision. We probably got both of those wrong but we will learn from it.
“My only disappointment is the law itself – you feel like you have been doubly punished because you get a red card and concede a goal. The referee was spot on.”
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I can see why the ref gave the penalty,also why a red was the only option. But now after watching it in slow-motion and from several angles,which he didn’t have access to it is clear that contact was minimal and that Ki was jumping before it was made.Surely this should be used to stop any further games being missed by Tim. After all he missed 3/4 of this game and we lost 3 points too.Failing that it’s a shame that Ossie can’t take the suspension,we’ll miss him less,probably.