EPL:Everton can still finish fourth - Martinez

17 Apr 2014 01:24:52
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is
confident his side can finish fourth in
the Premier League despite suffering a
"hurtful" 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace at
Goodison Park on Wednesday.
After winning their last seven league
matches, Everton's confidence should have
been high, but they failed to get going
against Tony Pulis's Palace and the result
left them fifth in the table on 66 points from
34 matches.
"The reaction is of disappointment," Martinez
told reporters.
"The result is a hurtful one because of the
expectation that we had and the desire that
we brought into the game."
With four games remaining, Everton trail
fourth-placed Arsenal by a point but boast a
superior goal difference.
Despite potentially tricky games to come
against Manchester City and Manchester
United, Martinez believes his side can finish
in the top four for the first time since 2005.
"We have 12 points to play for, we are close
to fourth place and we are still in a good
position," he said.
"I don't think Arsenal will take maximum
points from their remaining games.
"After the weekend (dropping out of the top
four) is a disappointment, but if you looked
at the start of the season, it's a magnificent
position."
Goals from Jason Puncheon and Scott Dann
put Palace 2-0 up at Goodison Park before
substitute Steven Naismith pulled one back
for Everton.
Cameron Jerome's strike restored Palace's
two-goal advantage and despite Kevin
Mirallas' late goal, Martinez was left to rue
his side's first-half performance.
"In the first half we played with a bit of
wanting to win so much that we forgot about
simple basics," added the Spaniard.
"In the second half, it was completely
different. We were positive and back to being
ourselves.
"I felt we were unfortunate not to get a draw
after the chances we created."
"The way we finished the second half gives
me great optimism we can finish the season
strongly."
© Reuters