Everton Boss Says Champions League Qualification Is In Their Hands

Everton boss Roberto Martinez claims Champions League qualification is still in their hands despite losing to Crystal Palace.

Everton’s surprise defeat leaves them a point behind Arsenal with four games to go in the battle for fourth.

But Martinez refused to panic and insists that Arsenal will drop points before the end of the campaign.

“I don’t think that Arsenal will take full points from now until the end of the season,” he said.

“When you are one point behind them with goal difference in our favour, then we very much realise what we can do.

“If you look at the table, you could think that it is out of our hands, but I feel it is in our hands because it is down to how many points we can get from now until the end of the season.

“We are very close to that fourth place. We are still in a good position.

“If you look at it after the weekend, you could be disappointed. But if you had looked it at it from the beginning of the season, it is a magnificent position – fifth, a point behind and with a better goal difference.

“It’s a unique opportunity and a unique challenge, so we are excited from that point of view.

“The way we finished the second half gives me encouragement that we have turned the corner.”