Martinez Hails Hat-Trick Hero

Roberto Martinez hailed hat-trick hero Arouna Kone following Everton’s thrilling 6-2 victory over Sunderland at Goodison Park.


The Blues opened up a two-goal lead courtesy of Gerard Deulofeu’s strike and Kone’s first of the afternoon, before being pegged back by goals either side of the half-time interval from Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher.

But the Toffees then raced ahead as a Sebastien Coates own goal, a Romelu Lukaku strike and two more from Kone sealed an impressive afternoon’s work at Goodison Park.

And, speaking after the game, Martinez hailed Kone’s ‘most complete 90 minutes’ in an Everton shirt, with the striker also triggering a clause to extend his contract until June 2017.

“Arouna has always had self-belief,” he explained. “It’s been as difficult as you are going to get - a new player coming to a new club, then having a career-threatening injury.

“From that point he was catching up but his attitude and focus never changed. He never chose to blame anyone or anything - all he wanted was an opportunity.

“Against Watford, in difficult circumstances, it was a real turning point for his individual role. From that point on he has been very impressive throughout the season and today was the most impressive complete 90 minutes. Scoring a hat-trick and his overall contribution was strong.”

The Blues boss also praised the clinical nature of his side, who recorded eight shots on target and enjoyed 68 per cent possession against the Black Cats.

“I thought our attacking play was exceptional,” he added. “More than anything, the understanding of how to break down a defensive system.

“Sunderland came here with a clear idea of being very difficult to break down and then try to hit us on the counter - and I thought the way we coped with that was very impressive.
“Then, you get into the little moments that you need to be psychologically very strong like when we conceded the equaliser. It was a real test of our understanding and character and we responded in a fantastic manner.

“Of course, we want to and we need to improve defensively. At times, we looked a little bit stretched and a bit reactive and that’s where we need to work. But when you have that attacking power and quality in possession it makes it a very exciting win looking forward.”