Sympathisers – and there are not many – reason that Martínez has suffered from elevating hopes to an upper stage following his first season in charge, when he transformed the style of play while simultaneously producing some outstanding results. Opponents contradict that theory – and with much greater audible force – arguing the same superlative language Martínez uses whether Everton win or lose means he has only brought pressure on himself. For these critics, his credibility now rests somewhere akin to that of a car boot salesman.
Martínez was right to claim that fortune played some part in Everton’s defeat here. West Bromwich Albion took a lead when Salomón Rondón bundled the ball over the line after the home goalkeeper, Joel Robles – chosen ahead of Tim Howard – did not seem to recognise the danger posed by Jonas Olsson’s looping header.
For long periods, Albion defended inside their 18-yard box. Olsson flung his body in front of everything, Ben Foster made saves and Jonny Evans was outstanding.
Everton also struck the woodwork twice. Yet, as so often, when it feels like things are not going their way, they do not. Somehow, Albion held on.
Pulis used the victory to drive home a few messages. Like Martínez, Pulis has become an unpopular figure among his club’s support, especially after a five‑game winless run. He repeated the idea that West Brom are not in the same league as Everton in terms of finance and continued to be obsessed about reaching 40 points – a figure that to him represents safety. He denied that he has placed too much emphasis on the threat of relegation.
“No, there’s 12 clubs, and every one of those clubs is in a relegation battle,” he said, seemingly including Everton in that group in terms of league placing. “Until you get 40 points and beyond, every club will be looking over their shoulders. I don’t care what anyone says.”
Who dominated at Goodison Park?
Pulis started Saido Berahino for the first time since October here and used him in the centre of his midfield. He spent the majority of his afternoon chasing.
Pulis argued the possession argument is negated by Leicester City’s success. “Remember the team at the top of the league this season has had the least amount of the ball. So that stat people seem to go on about isn’t always important.”
- Telegraph