Roberto Martinez has classified the solitary point against Crystal Palace as perfect timing for his team.

The two teams could only manage a goalless draw at Selhurst Park. The result stretched Everton’s winless run in the league to 5 matches. The last time Everton won a game in the Premier League was back at the start of March when a 3-1 comfortable victory over struggling Aston Villa does not give good confidence to the squad. However, the club has showed improved performances in the last two matches.

The draws against Watford and Crystal Palace may not be satisfactory as a result, butit has helped the club do well on the defensive front. Everton have one of the poorest defences in the league. This is despite the presence of John Stones, who was linked with a £ 30 million move to Chelsea in the summer. Everton will want to return to winning ways as soon as possible and the game against Southampton represents an ideal opportunity next weekend. Form must come back to the team soon as Everton are up against Liverpool and Manchester United in back-to-back games towards the end of April.

The first will be a Merseyside derby followed by the clash with United at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final.”We were very clear in what we wanted to do.And the next one is managing the game in a way that could allow us to have our threat as well.Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley all had good chances. Overall, I am pleased with the role we had to take in the second-half, over 45 minutes with 10 men against a team like Crystal Palace that can easily use their direct play to get the ball in the box and test you, constantly,” said the manager.