AARON LENNON and Tom Cleverley start for Everton against Tottenham today as manager Roberto Martinez rests two key players.
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| Roberto Martinez's Everton side have picked up just 12 points at home all season |
Martinez has dropped James McCarthy and Gerard Deulofeu to the bench ahead of Everton’s third game since Christmas.
The boss explained to Sky Sports that he is wary of burn-out as Everton only a second win in six outings.
“We’ve got a huge amount of games in this period of time, we’ve got a very good squad in numbers and we have to share that,” Martinez said before kick off.
“There are different needs for different players, different abilities.
“To have a fresh Aaron Lennon after the game he played against Newcastle [on Boxing Day] will be beneficial and more than anything it good not to make too many changes but to use the legs that we have in the squad.
“I don’t think we have a problem in the depth (of the squad). We have been tested in the same position, in the defensive roles, and to have up to five senior defenders missing throughout the season has been challenging.
“But in terms of numbers our squad was prepared for European football last season and in terms of quality we’re well equipped.
“It’s a really special month for us - the first half of the season has been really good to see many good signs and now on top of good performances we have to get wins and get points we dropped in the last couple of weeks.”
Everton sat 11th in the table heading into today’s 4pm kick off with Spurs and had already conceded 28 league goals this season.
Lennon scored the opener off a Romelu Lukaku knock-down 22 minutes into the clash.
And, discussing where he wants to improve in the second half of the campaign, Martinez pointed to the club’s home record, which has so far yielded just 12 points from a possible 24.
“The amount of goals we have conceded at home is something we have to improve,” Martinez added.
“We are the same team, have the same style when we play home and away.
“But when you see the amount of goals conceded away compared to at home there’s a huge, huge difference and of course young players and a lack of experience contributes. Playing at Goodison contributes.
“The incredible desire, wanting to wins much for our fans puts extra pressure on us. We need to learn from it and defend better.
“(Spurs) are very well organised team, very energetic and young with a lot of good legs.
“They’ve got a terrific away record, are growing all the time and I expect them to be one of the forces in the second half of the season.”
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