Sunday's game saw the ever willing Steven Naismith play up front alone with Kevin Mirallas looking to get forward to support him whenever he could. Both have tried to fulfil that forwards berth, but both have proved more effective elsewhere, and the recent loss of Romelu Lukaku to injury has left the Toffees significantly short on firepower. Loan signing Lacina Traore is still yet to make his Everton debut as he is nursed to fitness following a hamstring injury, but it was a curious decision for Martinez to name him on the bench for the Tottenham game, yet decide against introducing him when his side were chasing an equaliser, instead opting to introduce two wingers. As if Everton needed a reminder of what they were missing, Emmanuel Adebayor popped up with the winner, hammering home a clinical finish from his only clear chance of the game. It is that level of quality from a forward which separates the men from the boys and it is an area that Everton have been lacking for some time now. Everton face a resurgent Crystal Palace side at home on Wednesday night and if he is deemed to be fit, I would expect Traore to start in place of Naismith. At 6ft 8 inches he is sure to prove a handful for most centre halves and his reputation is just as big. Having signed for big spending Monaco from Anzhi in January he was immediately loaned to Everton and will be keen to show his parent club, his adopted club and the Premier League exactly what he can do. Should he hit the ground running, Martinez may have a decision as to whether he plays Traore instead of, or as well as Lukaku, and the latter is a frightening prospect!
I am an Evertonian originating from Yorkshire and living in Bedfordshire. I have always had an obsession with football and a passion for writing and I am keen to get started in the world of football journalism. I hope that my writing entertains you all and leaves you thirsty for more!
