Everton

[Sarb]

That doesnt sound convincing to me 'at this stage'

[Vermilion]

Didn't expect that till after the game tbh, but he's getting in early.

[EwarWoo]

I'm fully convinced "at this stage"

[BigChief]

That doesnt sound convincing to me 'at this stage'

Man Utd beat Sunderland in the earlier kick off and 'this stage' becomes critical for Roberto as he doesn't want an outside chance of losing Europa.

He'll be telling his players that before kickoff. Come on Utd!

[Sarb]

No but seriously what does he mean by 'at this stage'

[Fredo]

Sarb ffs. You're bringing me mood down man.

[Sarb]

Cheer up mate. Im just pissing about. Its tongue in cheek. No doubt someone is gonna go mental at my Dr Peters comment in Crystal Palace thread

[Fredo]

Oh, look at you cheering me up now.

[Pablo]

No but seriously what does he mean by 'at this stage'

While it's still mathematically possible for them to take 4th?

You're such a drama Queen

[Sarb]

I liked the extended transcript . I think he likes us as a club

[Yozza]

Everton boss Roberto Martinez not thinking of Liverpool 'favour'

Everton boss Roberto Martinez says his side want to beat Manchester City to strengthen their European hopes rather than do Liverpool a title favour.

City will secure the Premier League if they win their remaining three games.

But a slip at Goodison Park on Saturday will hand the initiative back to Everton's city rivals Liverpool, who play at Crystal Palace on Monday.

"Helping other teams is not the way we do things," added Martinez. "We focus on trying to win for ourselves."

Everton, who start the penultimate weekend of the season fifth in the table, still have a mathematical chance of securing a top-four finish and a qualifying spot in next season's Champions League.

Arsenal are currently fourth, four points above the Toffees, who still need points to be certain of a Europa League spot.

Liverpool lead the table but need a favour from their neighbours as City, three points behind and with a superior goal difference, have a game in hand.
Martinez says securing a European place is all he is thinking of ahead of City's visit - Everton's last home match of the season.

"It is going to be a phenomenal test and we want to finish really strong at home," said the Spaniard.

"I always felt the relationship between the two clubs [Everton and Liverpool] in the city has had incredible chapters and this would be another fascinating chapter.

"There is no doubt of our integrity - we want to win every game we go into.

"We are looking at ourselves because these are precious points. We can't afford not to give everything we have."

Everton will be without in-form midfielder Gareth Barry, who is ineligible to play as he is on loan from City.

The 33-year-old has appeared in 31 league games this season, scoring three times, since moving from Etihad Stadium in September.

Martinez feels the Premier League should fall into line with Europe when it comes to loan rules.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was allowed to play for Atletico Madrid against his parent club in both legs of their Champions League semi-final.

The 21-year-old produced a vital save from John Terry as Atletico won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to reach the final.

"Domestic rules should be the same as the European laws," added Martinez.

"In my eyes when you reach an agreement for a player to go - whether a loan or permanent transfer - he should be allowed to play,

"It is a decision you make in a window and I don't see it as a healthy way to treat a loan player in not letting him play against his parent club."

[Roboklopp]

Everton are a menace. Love them to go bust.

[Sarb]

May not agree with some of the things Rafa did, but he was absolutely spot on about Everton. They are a small club.

Their fans mocking Gerrard and us yet they ****ing cracked under pressure when got in 4th place. Alcaraz own goal was a lot more comical. If they want to be a top club should stop supporting their 'rivals' for 4th at every opportunity they get. Embarassing club

[Yozza]

Could have sworn a load of them cheered when City equalised......

[Shaggy]

They did.