Football
Mike Whalley 8y

Tim Howard wins support of Roberto Martinez as Everton form dips

LIVERPOOL -- Tim Howard has received the backing of Everton boss Roberto Martinez after Joel Robles' midweek cup heroics put added pressure on the club's No. 1.

Spanish keeper Robles has been picked for all three of the club's Capital One Cup matches this season, and was the man of the match as they beat Norwich on penalties in the fourth round on Tuesday.

He made a vital save from Lewis Grabban to ensure the match went to extra time, then denied Wes Hoolahan in the penalty shoot out to help set up a quarterfinal trip to Middlesbrough.

Howard has received criticism from fans for his performances this season, to the extent that 86 percent of respondents in an online poll conducted by the Liverpool Echo suggested he should be dropped for Sunday's Premier League home game against Sunderland.

Martinez -- who already had to come out in defence of his keeper after high profile errors in the defeat at Arsenal -- insisted that the U.S. international's influence remains vital to the team.

He said: "Football is about competition for places. It's so great to see Joel enjoying his football, performing in the manner that he did on Tuesday and having an incredible influence.

"You want that all over the park. It's no different with goalkeepers. You want that stimulation and competition for places.

"You need players in good moments of form, because that's the only way you can be consistent with your performances.

"I'm delighted with the level of form of Joel Robles and I'm delighted to have the experience of Tim Howard when it's most needed, especially when you have young or inexperienced players in front of the goalkeeper and back four. It's important we have that experience and knowhow.

"As we all know, the balance of any team is important in terms of experience. It's important to have old heads around the youngsters. When you have old heads like Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Gareth Barry and Tim Howard, it is important for the young players.

"Tim Howard has always been important through good and bad moments of form."

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