Four key areas Roberto Martinez and Everton must improve

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Everton must find a goalkeeping replacement

I, for one, won’t take part in the Howard bashing exhibited by some fans on social media and the like. The American has been a loyal servant of Everton, and performed to an extremely high standard for many years. However, over the past couple of seasons, his performances have notably worsened and this could, and should, be his last season at Goodison Park.

Joel Robles looks a very capable understudy in the games he has played through Howard’s injuries and in the Cup. Attending Everton games, as I do, it is noticeable how much more vocal Robles is compared to Howard. In games such as the recent victory against Manchester City, it was evident how much more settled the back four was with Robles commanding his box and his defenders.

However, for some reason Martinez does not seem to trust Robles with taking the mantle as Everton’s Number One. If that is indeed the case then a replacement MUST be found. Players such as David Marshall have been linked with the position, and whoever Martinez identifies as his target must be brought in sooner rather than later.

Watching Cech at Arsenal and De Gea at Manchester United, it shows the effect a good, dependable goalkeeper can have on the team. A replacement goalkeeper could be the difference for Everton between finishing mid-table or in the European places come the end of the season.