Premier League: What We Learnt From The Opening Fixtures

Can Martinez Maintain Consistency Like Moyes Did?

Everton began life under former Wigan Athletic manager Martinez away to Norwich City, a side who claimed the scalps of both Manchester United and Arsenal at Carrow Road last season. Following in the footsteps of Moyes won't be easy for the Spaniard but he made a decent start as the Toffees returned to Merseyside with a point. Ross Barkley burst onto the scene a couple of years ago, and one must think this is a crucial year in the 19-year old's development as he looks to make himself a regular in the Everton first team. His cracking 20-yard strike left John Ruddy grasping at thin air, and was the highlight of the match. Two questions remain surrounding Martinez: Can he maintain the consistency that Everton had under their former manager Moyes, and can he incorporate the passing football he was synonymous with at the DW Stadium, with the solid and difficult to beat nature that they had during his predecessor's eleven year stint at Goodison? For Norwich, Chris Hughton has brought in Gary Hooper, Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Nathan Redmond, three players who could help them made the rise from mid-table to a side knocking on the door of the top half. Securing a fourth season at this level would be considered a success for them though, and they showed enough on Saturday to suggest they are capable of that.