Martinez feels Everton deserved Liverpool victory

Matt Stead

Roberto Martinez feels Everton were worthy of victory against Liverpool, and hailed the performance of goalscorer Romelu Lukaku.

The Toffees drew 1-1 with Liverpool at Goodison Park, with Danny Ings’ header being cancelled out just before the break by Romelu Lukaku.

Despite dominating the second half they could not find the crucial second goal, although that may have been different had Reds midfielder Lucas Leiva been shown a second yellow card for a foul on Ross Barkley instead of being let off by a lenient Martin Atkinson.

“It is one of those games we are not going to agree with the result,” Martinez said.

“Our performance was good enough to get the three points but you need to earn them and I don’t think we had that bit of luck you need in front of goal.

“Simon Mignolet was outstanding and we are disappointed with the goal we conceded but the reaction was pleasing.

“In the second half we carried real danger and that little bit of composure would have given us three points.”

Martinez questioned Atkinson’s reasoning for deciding not to caution Lucas which would have meant he had to send off the midfielder.

“I don’t understand that decision. Lucas was very clever. His technical fouls were very clever but the second one was from behind and should have been given a yellow card,” Martinez said.

“Martin has a clear view. We should have played against 10 men in the last 15 minutes.”

One of the major positives for Everton was the display from Lukaku, especially once he scored his goal as he gave Liverpool’s defenders a torrid time.

“The hold-up play from Rom was the strongest we have had in an Everton shirt,” Martinez added.

“He locked three centre-halves and we played around him.”