Everton can’t afford not to give everything, Martinez tells Liverpool

Roberto Martinez has vowed Everton will uphold the integrity of the Premier League as Merseyside prepares for another fascinating chapter in its footballing history.

Everton have the chance to hand Liverpool a boost in the Premier League title race as the Toffees take on title favourites Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday.

We are football club that wants to win every game. They have precious points for us, so we can’t afford not to give everything

Roberto Martinez

The leaders relinquished control of the title race after a 2-0 loss to Chelsea last weekend, and City can win their second Premier League crown if they win their remaining games, regardless of other results.

Everton are still fighting for a fourth-place finish, and Martinez insists that the Toffees can’t afford not to give everything in their pursuit of a fourth-place finish.

“I always felt the relationship between the two clubs in the city has had incredible chapters,” Martinez told his pre-match media conference.

“This would be another fascinating chapter. I don’t think there is any doubt about our integrity to the league and competition.

“We are football club that wants to win every game. They have precious points for us, so we can’t afford not to give everything.

“Helping other teams is not the way that we do our work. We focus on trying to win for ourselves.”

Everton’s hopes of securing Champions League football suffered a further blow last weekend after a 2-0 loss to Southampton, with Arsenal moving four points clear thanks to a win against Newcastle United.

Quizzed whether the Toffees could still secure fourth spot with two games remaining, Martinez preferred to challenge his side to secure maximum points against City and Hull City.

“We don’t look at it that way. We’re looking to get the next six points,” Martinez added.

“It narrows things down quite easily. The last home fixture is always a special fixture.

“We’re fully focused on hosting an important game. We’re facing a team fighting for the title, and it is going to be a phenomenal test. After that, we have the final away fixture.”