A GIANT STEP
Everton took a massive step towards qualifying for the Champions League next season after they finished as 3-0 winners over Arsenal in the latest Premier league match between the two teams.
Everton had their destiny in their own hands due to matches against the likes of Arsenal at home. Their four points behind the gunners prior to this match, but have now closed the gap to just one point.
Further, they have a game in hand, which could potentially see them move into the top four ahead of Arsenal.
Everton have finished in the top four only once in the last decade and it came under David Moyes in 2005. However, this team constructed by Martinez is seen as a much better outfit than that team since they are playing a much better brand of football. Even though much of the team is based on loan signings like Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry, there is a real confidence within Everton that they can build on from this campaign. Chairman Bill Kenwright, who has had to go through several financial troubles in providing Everton with funds, says that it is a dream to have a manager like Martinez.
The Spaniard has come through after impressing at his previous jobs like Swansea and Wigan.
“It is difficult to put into words how good that was. I have seen some comprehensive victories for Everton but that was so consummate I thought ‘if you’re going to take me, take me now’. It was a great afternoon. An afternoon better than we would thought it would be. But that is Roberto Martinez – he gives you a dream and then goes one more. We have got difficult games coming up but qualifying for the Champions League is in our hands now,” said Kenwright.
Everton’s next match is against relegation threatened Sunderland.