Joel Robles already thinking about Crystal Palace.He may have helped keep a clean sheet against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night but no sooner had the final whistle sounded, Joel Robles was already thinking about Crystal Palace.
Such is the game-by-game mentality within the Everton squad at present that there was no time to rest on any laurels at the Riverside despite the 2-0 success in the Capital One Cup quarter final.
While he is likely to make way between the sticks for Tim Howard, Robles has been working hard nevertheless ahead of a game recognised as a tough one for the Blues.
The Eagles have edged five-goal thrillers in their two previous outings at Goodison Park and Robles hopes Everton can kick off a crucial month with a victory.
“For us, the most important game is Crystal Palace now,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what they have done before this game so far this season. When we play against Palace we know it is going to be difficult.
“Last season, we lost at home but won away, but I think this time, playing at home is important. Our mentality and our focus are only on this game.
“December is an important month. There are a lot of games and a lot of points on offer. But our minds are only on Palace.”
However, there is plenty of confidence within the Toffees’ ranks, and not just among the forwards who have drawn the plaudits in recent weeks. Robles credits the togetherness of the squad as the catalyst behind Everton’s current run of form.
“I think we are in a good moment not only for the forwards but for every position on the team,” added the Spaniard. “We are playing well as a team and we have to keep doing that.
“The mentality of the team is down to the manager first and foremost, and after that its how we are as a group. We want to work hard for each other.
“A season is a long time in football and you can have problems along the way, like injuries, but for us we just focus on each big game as it comes.”