Everton: 5 Things We Learned After Spurs Defeat

1. They Must Show Character

Everton's character has never been in question, and both Moyes and Martinez have referenced the tremendous spirit within the Everton camp on several occasions. This could be the first real test for Martinez following the defeat to Spurs on Sunday. Having lost as many games in the last 3, as they had in their previous 22, Martinez is faced with the challenge of bouncing back from this mini setback. They are yet to lose back to back games this season, and, aswell as their undoubted skill and ability in possession, there is still a defensive solidity inherited from the Moyes era. They responded excellently after the derby drubbing, with a 2-1 home victory over Aston Villa, having gone behind in the game, then scoring two late goals to win it, courtesy of Naismith and Mirallas. Their next game could be a potential banana skin as Tony Pulis' vastly improved Crystal Palace are the visitors on Wednesday night. Then follows a home FA Cup tie against Swansea at the weekend before a tough trip to Chelsea the following week. The players were clearly frustrated after the Spurs defeat and will have been wondering how they did not manage to come away with at least a point from the game, having had the better chances, more possession and a clear penalty turned down at the death. Responsibility to pull some of the less experienced players through any tough times, will fall on the shoulders of the likes of Howard, Distin, Jagielka and Barry and, if history is anything to go by, it won't be long before they put together another unbeaten run. Martinez will hope to start by bouncing back from Sunday's disappointing result with a positive performance against the Eagles on Wednesday night to provide a platform for success in the last third of the season.