Tim Howard points finger at Everton players for disappointing season

Everton 2 Bournemouth 1

There were protests against the Toffees boss during the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday, with a plane trailing the message ‘Time to go Roberto’ followed by around 100 fans armed with ‘Martinez Out’ banners remaining inside Goodison Park for over an hour after the final whistle.

Martinez has come under fire for his style of play - something he was lauded for in his first season which accrued a club-record Premier League points tally - contributing to them dropping points from winning positions.

The manager has taken the brunt of the blame while the players have escaped almost scot-free, but goalkeeper Howard said that does not reflect reality.

“Everyone talks about the manager but he hasn’t kicked one ball this season,” said the United States international.

“It is down to us as players.”

EVERTON: Howard, Besic (Hibbert 46), Stones, Pennington, Baines, McCarthy, Gibson, Lennon, Barkley (Dowell 87), Cleverley, Niasse (Lukaku 60).

AFC BOURNEMOUTH: Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh (Stanislas 68), Wilson (Grabban 79), King (Afobe 69).

Referee: Neil Swarbrick.