Monday 5 October 2015 10:50, UK
Roberto Martinez praised his Everton side following what he described as a 'really, really interesting game' against Liverpool at Goodison Park.
It finished 1-1 with Romelu Lukaku scoring the equaliser for Everton on the stroke of half-time after Danny Ings had put Liverpool in front, although Martinez felt the Blues were the better side in the second half.
The game was played at an impressive pace by both sides and the Everton boss was pleased with his players' reaction to going a goal behind.
"I thought it was a really, really interesting game," said Martinez. "Really high tempo, the energy levels were really high.
"From our point of view we're disappointed that we conceded from a dead ball situation. Those are the moments you have to control well but the reaction that we had to score from open play and the second half we looked a lot stronger.
"I thought we limited Liverpool a lot more, probably we just carried a lot more of a threat. We didn't get that little bit of a break that you have, [there were] two outstanding saves from Mignolet in the first half."
The former Wigan manager was particularly pleased with his back four, one that contained three players making their full Merseyside derby debuts.
"I thought Tim Howard had a very good game as well but overall, in a very tight game, [there were] a huge amount of positives," Martinez added.
"The reaction, with the way we found a way to control the game in the second half and the way we adjusted tactically.
"Then, more impressively, in such an inexperienced back four, in a derby, it shows the understanding and interaction between the leaders of the team and the experienced players.
"Phil Jagielka, Tim Howard, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy - I thought they were magnificent - then you see the character and personality of players like Tyias Browning, Brendan Galloway and Romiro Funes Mori in their first full debut in a derby, it was impressive feeling that you are left with."
Martinez went on to further praise Jagielka, adding: "I think it's about time that Jagielka gets the credit that he deserves. In my eyes he has been the most consistent and best English centre half we have had in the last 12 months.
"It is no coincidence anyone who plays alongside him performs. Anyone who plays in that back four is given the opportunity to express themselves and allowed to be effective and that's down to Jagielka."
