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Post by Everton News. on Nov 21, 2014 13:55:04 GMT
Roberto Martinez says Everton’s excellent record against West Ham United will count for very little when the two sides meet at Goodison Park.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League matches against this weekend’s opponents – a run which stretches back to 2007. However, the Hammers have been transformed over the last four months and, heading into Saturday’s game, occupy one of the Champions League qualification positions. They have already beaten Manchester City and Liverpool this season – results which highlight their recent progress under manager Sam Allardyce. “I believe West Ham are the in-form team in the Premier League,” Martinez said. “Yes, Southampton have done really, really well but their change from last season hasn’t been as great as West Ham. “West Ham play with incredible confidence, great attacking play and their new players, who are new to the league, have adjusted so quickly. “They’re in the Champions League spots – and rightly so. It’s a really tough challenge for us but one that we need and one that we welcome with open arms. “I think the experience of Sam Allardyce has helped in finding that new formula, without losing the good things they had.” Summer recruits Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have been two major reasons behind West Ham’s eye-catching start to the campaign. The pair have contributed 10 goals in all competitions since they were recruited from Mexican side Pachuca and Metz, of France, respectively. Martinez added: “When you bring new players into a new league, it normally takes a long time for them to settle and to see them at their best. So, it is incredible to see the new signings adapt so well and so quickly – that is credit to West Ham, their staff and the players themselves. “What they’ve done as a football club is a remarkable turnaround from where they were last season in the way they play. They are more of a threat from open play but they haven’t lost any of the good things they had. “I think Valencia and Sakho have been the main reasons to the side’s success. They are so infectious because they are willing to close down, they play with bravery and they play with confidence. Then, in front of goal they are clinical. “I don’t think there’s anything better than a striker arriving at a new club and scoring goals.”
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