Martinez backs players after ‘cheap talk’ of Toffees sticky form

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has hit back at what he feels has been some "cheap talk" about his players’ efforts of late.

After pulling off a fine 4-1 Europa League last-32 first-leg victory over Young Boys in Bern last Thursday, Martinez’s men returned to less-than-impressive Premier League form on Sunday, scraping a 2-2 home draw against bottom side Leicester.

Among those criticised over their performances in the Leicester game — which left 12th-placed Everton with a record of only two wins in 14 league matches — were 21-year-olds Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley.