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Roberto Martinez praises Everton defence after West Ham draw

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Roberto Martinez was impressed by Everton's work-rate

Roberto Martinez was pleased with Everton's defensive display as they came from behind to draw 1-1 against West Ham.

Romelu Lukaku equalised for the Toffees late in the first half after Manuel Lanzini had put the Hammers ahead.

Chances were at a premium after the break but Lukaku went closest to winning it when he shot wide with four minutes remaining.

"Overall we showed that the defensive attitude in a group of players with a lot of attacking ability was very impressive," Martinez told Sky Sports.

"It seemed the winning goal could come but it was just that final pass. The quality we had from (Gerard) Deulofeu into Lukaku (for the equaliser) was what we were waiting for, but the concentration levels were terrific.

"As a unit we worked extremely hard defensively. We were just waiting for the bit of quality to get the winner."

The draw extends Everton's unbeaten run against West Ham in the Premier League which stretches back to 2007.

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Romelu Lukaku (left) of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the match against West Ham
Image: Romelu Lukaku (left) celebrate scoring the equaliser

Lukaku, meanwhile, scored his seventh goal in as many appearances against the Hammers for Everton.

"He has always been very confident," said Martinez. "He has a knack of running onto balls and is very strong, allowing him to get into good positions in the final moment.

"The connection between him and Deulofeu was threatening and the work-rate of the whole team was very impressive."

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