Everton captain praises defensive partner John Stones after Tottenham clash

John Stones started against Tottenham despite handing in a transfer request three days earlier

PHIL JAGIELKA has had a first-hand view of the way John Stones has handled the fall-out from a testing week and he admits he has been stunned by the 21-year-old's reaction.

And Everton boss Roberto Martinez says the club has been taught a harsh lesson by the events of the last few weeks and promised changes when the next window comes around.

Stones, who faced Tottenham in the 0-0 draw days after having a transfer request rejected, has been caught in the middle of a battle of wills between his club and Chelsea.

And Jagielka, Stones' centre-back partner, reckons the 21-year-old's on-field reaction highlights why he has been one of the biggest targets of the summer.

The England defender said: "He's been top notch. He's such a young lad and he's dealt with it so well. We have good conversations on and off the pitch, and he's the ultimate professional and he's done really well."

 

Yet as well as Stones may have coped, Martinez believes Everton must do more to avoid a repeat situation.

"All the pressure that has come from outside, it has been very, very tough but it has all been an eye opener for us as a club," said the manager.

"We are going to take extra measures in every window from now on to protect players and help them through because it is all becoming too much."

Stones and Jagielka combined to deny Tottenham a first win of the season and nullify the threat of Harry Kane, who is still without a goal.

 

But manager Mauricio Pochettino insists this is certainly no time to panic and adopt a win-at-all-costs mentality.

He said: "In the long term we want to play how we played today. To win games you need to be consistent in the way you play and show your philosophy.

"Maybe if you play badly but win, it's not good. You can achieve more if you play to your philosophy.

"You need to believe in your work and we believe. We are a real team working hard and we'll try to win the next game."

 

Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lloris 7; Walker 6, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 8, Rose 7; Dier 8, Bentaleb 7; Dembele 4 (Alli 53, 6), Mason 6 (Pritchard 85, 6), Chadli 5; Kane 5. Booked: Alli, Bentaleb, Dier, Chadli.

NEXT UP: Sunderland (a) Sept 13, PL.

Everton (4-2-3-1): Howard 9; Coleman 6, Stones 7, Jagielka 8, Oviedo 7; Barry 7, McCarthy 7; Kone 5 (Deulofeu 84), Barkley 7, Cleverley 6 (Mirallas 46, 5); Lukaku 5 (Naismith 69, 6). Booked: Barry.

NEXT UP: Chelsea (h) Sept 12, PL.

REFEREE: M Jones (Cheshire).