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Workhorses, now with a touch of class

Style and sophistication aren’t words usually associated with Everton, but if Roberto Martinez has his way, they soon will be.

Even without Barry (No 18), Everton can still count on (from left) Lukaku, Baines and Coleman to trouble Man City’s defences. Photo: Getty Images

Even without Barry (No 18), Everton can still count on (from left) Lukaku, Baines and Coleman to trouble Man City’s defences. Photo: Getty Images

Style and sophistication aren’t words usually associated with Everton, but if Roberto Martinez has his way, they soon will be.

The 40-year-old’s remit when landing the Goodison Park hot seat was to add refinement to their existing substance, and already, just three months into his new job, it’s clear the Spaniard is the right man to deliver on that promise.

Playing fast, cohesive and entertaining football — without sacrificing any of their notorious work-rate or defensive resilience — the Premier League’s only remaining unbeaten outfit look — dare I say it — better than they ever did under David Moyes.

It’s too early to claim with any certainty that the former Swansea and Wigan gaffer is an upgrade, of course, but he is wise beyond his years.

Bosses with a bigger ego might have brashly bowled into the club, ripped the departed Moyes’ posters off the walls and arrogantly informed his players it was now his way or the highway.

Sensibly, that was never a consideration to Martinez, who inherited an experienced and happy squad.

Taking a softly, softly approach to his changes instead, he’s gently preached his own passing game and modern philosophies, while constantly reminding his players of their need to retain the fiery passion and aggression which made them so powerful under Moyes.

His vision was to blend the old hardworking Everton with class and intelligence — and so far, it’s working magnificently. With the ball, few teams are keeping possession better. Without it, they are still incredibly difficult to breach.

Martinez is building his team around three key players: Romelu Lukaku and the full-back pairing of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman.

Last season, the Toffees were always at their best when Baines and Coleman bombed forward, but that ambition at times left a fragile midfield containing attack-minded Leon Osman, Darren Gibson and Marouane Fellaini exposed on the counter attack.

Rather than discouraging such positivity, Martinez has instead brought in a new-look midfield that is capable of covering the gaps left by their forays down the flanks. Loan signing Gareth Barry now sits in front of the back four as a playmaker/auxiliary defender, alongside industrious box-to-box talent James McCarthy.

As a result, the two full-backs are free to do what they do best.

Releasing gifted teenager Ross Barkley into the “No 10” role was another masterstroke.

Not only has that show of faith sent the youngster’s confidence hurtling skywards, it’s also added verve and dynamism in a key area of the pitch. The Gladys Road End suddenly has a new local hero to idolise too.

Those were smart moves but Lukaku’s capture was Martinez’s coup de grace. Chelsea fans are still scratching their heads at how it was allowed to happen, but the west Londoners’ loss is Everton’s gain.

Possessing the best attitude I have seen from any young footballer that has emerged in recent seasons, the Belgian is hunger personified.Unsurprisingly, Toffees fans have already fallen in love with a striker who is good enough, strong enough and determined enough to dominate rival defences this season.

A trip to out-of-sorts Manchester City later today will be a serious test of Everton’s unbeaten record though.

Stung by successive defeats to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, last season’s league runners-up won’t want to upset Manuel Pellegrini with another below-par display.

The absence of Barry — who isn’t allowed to face his parent club — may be a determining factor working against Martinez and his men on the day, but whatever happens, they won’t be fearful.

Everton have only lost once on their last six visits to the blue half of Manchester, winning four of them.

On those occasions, they outfought City but this time, it’s different. They will feel, and truly believe, they’re capable of outplaying them too.

TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of English football. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for many publications around the world. Follow him on Twitter @adrianjclarke

EPL FIXTURES AND TV TIMES

Tonight:

Man City v Everton (7.45pm, Mio TV Ch102, StarHub Ch227)

Cardiff v Newcastle (10.00pm, Ch103, Ch228)

Fulham v Stoke (10.00pm, Ch104, Ch229)

Hull v Aston Villa (10.00pm, Ch105, Ch230)

Liverpool v Crystal Palace (10.00pm, Ch102, Ch227)

Tomorrow:

Sunderland v Man United (12.30am, Mio TV Ch102, Starhub Ch 227)

Southampton v Swansea (8.30pm, Ch103, Ch228)

Norwich v Chelsea (8.30pm, Ch102, Ch227)

Tottenham v West Ham (11pm, Ch103, Ch228)

West Brom v Arsenal (11pm, Ch102, Ch227)

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