Saturday 8 August 2015 18:53, UK
Roberto Martinez admitted Everton were still in pre-season mode during a poor first-half display against Watford but was pleased at the spirit his side showed to battle back to claim a 2-2 draw.
After Ross Barkley cancelled out Miguel Layun’s opener, Odion Ighalo thought he had won it for Watford before Kone popped up to earn a point for Everton at the death.
Martinez revealed Watford’s intensity caught his team by surprise in the opening 45 minutes and he warned his team he does not expect to see a repeat of that lacklustre display.
“In the first half, we were in a little bit of a pre-season mode,” Martinez admitted, speaking to Sky Sports News HQ.
“That can happen sometimes especially playing against a newly-promoted side who have that enthusiasm and readiness for the game. They shocked us a little bit in that respect.
“But when you go behind twice and get back level you can get a lot of good lessons from our character and the spirit that we got in the group.
“At the end of the second half, I thought we were a different side and I thought we carried a threat. We had no threat in the first half. Everything was quite slow and pedestrian.
“The two goals that we scored were phenomenal. The strike from Ross Barkley is outstanding and it is great to see Arouna Kone getting back to his profile. He is the type of striker that can produce a lot of goals.
“I am sure that from this moment on we will be ready to be in competition mode. The second-half performance is exactly what we need but the first-half performance is something we don’t want to repeat.”
Barkley’s first Premier League goal of the season was a brilliant strike as he smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box and Martinez hopes it is a sign of things to come from the England midfielder this season.
When asked if Barkley is maturing, Martinez said: “I think we saw it already. We saw a very, very mature Ross Barkley.
“When things are not going well for the team, he is quite happy to show for it and show that bravery. The technique for that strike is as good as it gets.
“At such a young age, to see that maturity and to see him take on such an important role in the side, I think it shows it is going to be a very, very successful season for him.”
Martinez also confirmed he wants to add a couple of new signings to his squad before the end of the transfer window.
“We have a couple of players that need to get back from the treatment room,” Martinez said.
“Gerard Deulofeu is one of those but yes, we are going to use the window as well as we can and we hope we can bring new faces in.”
