We've only ourselves to blame admits Roberto Martinez after Arsenal draw
Roberto Martinez during Everton's clash with Arsenal at Goodison
Roberto Martinez admits Everton have only themselves to blame after watching his side surrender the chance of another famous victory against Arsenal.
The Blues conceded two goals in the final seven minutes from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud as they were pegged back to a 2-2 draw at Goodison yesterday.
First-half goals from Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith were deserved reward as Martinez’s side sought a repeat of April’s 3-0 home win over the Gunners.
But the Blues boss was left to lament his side still seeking their first win of the season after conceding a late equaliser for the second week in succession.
“We are the ones to blame for not getting six points from our opening two games,” said Martinez.
“When you go 2-0 up the other team becomes more hopeful and we should have been more clever in that period to take advantage of that.
“It’s frustrating. We are disappointed not to win, but it gives us excitement because if we can correct things it shows we have fantastic potential.”
Martinez pointed to a lack of stamina among some members of his team that allowed Arsenal to work their way back into the game after half-time.
“In the second half we needed to be on the ball but the energy levels weren’t there to do that,” he said.
“We got punished with two goals of hopeful football but Arsenal deserve credit for that.
“Our two goals should have been enough to control the game in the normal manner we do, but our energy levels dropped as a team and with certain individuals.
“It was a phenomenal performance but we couldn’t maintain it for 90 minutes.
“We have to get our performances 90 minutes long. It’s given us a clear indication of where we need to do more work.”
Martinez added: “Our performance was as good as the one last season but these are the small margins.
“The first-half performance was as dominant as I’ve seen at Goodison from us against a top team in a long time. It was full of dynamic football and energy.
“We were really strong every time we went forward. We defended well and stopped Arsenal from having a shot on target.
“But you need to win football games. And the dressing room is disappointed as we should have six points rather than two.
“Steven Pienar’s injury affected us massively as we didn’t have another sub in the last 10 minutes.”
Pienaar limped off after just 10 minutes, while Martinez revealed Romelu Lukaku had played through the pain barrier having injured his toe during the week.
“Romelu has done incredible to last for 75 minutes,” said the Blues boss.
“He had a knock on his toe. For him to be available, it was an immense performance from somebody who was injured.
“Romelu will be assessed during the week but I will be surprised if he doesn’t play next Saturday (against Chelsea).”
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger praised the resilience of his side.
“Once we went 2-0 down we had to come out and give absolutely everything,” he said.
“We had a great response. Our spirit was fantastic. This was a strong point and a deserved one.
“When we got beat 3-0 here in April it could have been more. It was flattering for us.
“But I believe we deserved a point here.
“Having said that the second goal was offside and was a foul in the build-up. It was difficult to swallow but we took it on the chin and came back.”
Source: Echo
