Everton suffered a third successive Premier League defeat as they were edged out by Manchester United.

Anthony Martial’s strike early in the second half condemned a lacklustre Blues side to their latest reversal.

Here were the main talking points from the Old Trafford clash…

Blues persist with square pegs in round holes

 

An under-fire Roberto Martinez has received his fair share of criticism of late, with Blues supporters pointing to a series of baffling team selections and substitutions.

Further fuel was added to the detractors’ fire this afternoon, as the Catalan fielded winger Aaron Lennon in the hole behind Romelu Lukaku and main creator Ross Barkley in a more withdrawn central midfield role.

The two are key to Everton’s attacking setup but remained on the periphery throughout- Barkley, in particular, failed to impress in what seemed like a foreign role for the Wavertree-born playmaker. Fans will also point to the substitution of live wire Gerard Deulofeu for Kevin Mirallas as another ill-advised decision from Martinez.

On his return to the starting eleven, Deulofeu had looked most likely to create for the away side, however, with others around him perhaps more deserving of an early exit, the former Barcelona man was sacrificed in a logic-defying move from Martinez.

It more or less signalled the end to any momentum Everton had hitherto generated in their attacking play and, from that point, Manchester United held on with relative ease.

No wonder, then, that Everton’s square pegs in round holes failed to net for the second successive league game.

Lukaku fluffs his lines in Old Trafford audition

 

All the talk in the build-up to the game centred on Romelu Lukaku’s reported desire to leave Goodison Park this summer in search of Champions League football.

A whole host of Europe’s top clubs- including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and opponents Manchester United- have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old hit man, however, with potential suitors watching on, Lukaku failed to deliver.

The Belgian international has been a leading light in a below-par season for the Blues, netting an impressive 18 times in the league and helping Martinez’s men into the FA Cup semi finals, yet was virtually anonymous here save for one deflected effort that slid narrowly wide of the home side’s goal.

With the likes of Barkley and McCarthy toiling in midfield, the former Chelsea striker was offered little or no support cut an increasingly frustrated figure.

At his best the forward remains one of the best in the league in his position; a rampaging, bustling presence offering a unique blend speed, skill and strength, however, on the biggest of stages his touch often deserted him.

With a crucial month of fixtures ahead, the Blue half of Merseyside will pray that this is only a temporary blip from the otherwise excellent star striker.

Barry’s absence continues to be sorely felt

 

It will be no surprise to regular viewers that Everton’s current slump in form has coincided with Gareth Barry’s recent suspension.

The veteran midfielder is a key cog in Martinez’s possession-based system, bringing superior nous and quality on ball from a deep-lying defensive midfield role.

In his enforced absence, both Barkley and Muhamed Besic have attempted to fill that crucial role. Neither, though, has managed to fill Barry’s substantial boots. At times, the Blues midfield seemed rudderless, no doubt lacking the quality and vision of the schemer-in-chief.

No Barry, no party, or so they (should) say…

Stones’ revival provides boost at key time

 

On a disappointing afternoon for the Toffees, one positive for Roberto Martinez was the return to form of John Stones.

Dropped from the side after a number of high-profile clangers, the England international was forced to watch on as replacement Ramiro Funes Mori attempted to forge a partnership with captain Phil Jagielka.

Initial signs were promising, with the duo’s no-nonsense defending providing temporary respite for supporters used to seeing their team punished for overly elaborate play at the back. However, the Argentine’s form has dipped in recent weeks and Stones’ return to the side this afternoon offered a timely reminder of the young defender’s potential.

One superbly timed first-half tackle on danger man Anthony Martial showcased a defensive instinct sorely lacking during his post-Christmas slump, while the ex-Barnsley man was also an elegant presence on the ball throughout. A slide-rule ball midway through the second period cut the home side like knife through butter an provided Everton with one of their few chances of the encounter.

He will hope that Stones’ progress continues, as Everton are simply a better team when he’s on his game.