Sticky cup tie for Everton but Martinez focus is Europe

Roberto Martinez denied that Everton need an FA Cup run to save their season.

The Toffees have flattered to deceive and saw a promising little run ended by last week’s defeat against West Brom, their sixth at home in the Premier League.

They travel to Bournemouth in the fifth round of the FA Cup tomorrow, but boss Martinez insisted qualifying for Europe through the league remains the focus. Everton sit 11th in the table, five points behind seventh-placed West Ham and six adrift of Manchester United in fifth.