Everton boss Martinez happy despite rustiness against Stoke

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has expressed satisfaction with his side’s start to the Barclays Asia Trophy, despite needing penalties to see off Premier League rivals Stoke City at the National Stadium last night.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard stopped Marco van Ginkel’s effort in the penalty shootout — the match finished goalless — to earn the Merseysiders a 5-4 win and a place in Saturday’s final against Arsenal.

Martinez’s side could have won in regulation time had forward Romelu Lukaku not missed a gilt-edged chance late on. But speaking pitchside after the match, Martinez said: “Everything was positive. Of course, there are aspects that I want (us) to get better. As a team, we need to get the right balance, and the pitch wasn’t giving it for fast football. We’re an attacking team and want to score goals.”

Everton are looking to improve on a disappointing previous season, when they finished 11th in the Premier League and lost to Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Singapore is staging the biennial pre-season tournament, which is now into its seventh edition, for the first time.

BARCLAYS ASIA TROPHY

Final: July 18 – Stoke City v Singapore Selection (6pm); Arsenal v Everton (8.30pm)

Visit www.sportshub.com.sg for ticketing and other details.