Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0: We lacked sharpness, says Martinez
Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0: Roberto Martinez was left to rue a lack of sharpness in his side's attacks after goalless draw
Roberto Martinez was left to rue a lack of sharpness in Everton’s attacks after his side were held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
Palace went close to taking the lead at Selhurst Park when Kagisho Dikgacoi missed a header, while Jerome Thomas had a shot tipped over the bar.
Marouane Chamakh headed wide before Thomas saw his shot drop into the side-netting, and Everton’s Phil Jagielka saw his header hit the crossbar.
“We couldn’t find that little bit of sharpness in the final third,” said Martinez, whose side remain in fifth place in the table.
“Overall, we probably allowed ourselves to get a bit frustrated. Every time the ball went out of play it took ages to come back in.
“It was a stop-start sort of game and we couldn’t get in a position to break them down.
“They were very well organised, worked extremely hard and made it very difficult.”
Meanwhile, Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen was proud of his side’s display and felt they were unlucky not to secure their second win of the season.
“I’m proud of the players,” said Millen. “Everton had a lot of possession but we created the better chances.
“If I’m being greedy we should have taken all three points but a draw gives us something to build on.
“The fans were fantastic and you could see the spirit of the players. I couldn’t ask any more of the players apart from finishing the chances we had.
“I would be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances. Tactically we have been in a lot of games this year but key moments have cost us.”
