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”We Are Still In The Race For Top Four” Martinez

Roberto Martinez is refusing to believe Everton’s Champions League hopes ended with this bizarre defeat at St Mary’s on Saturday.

Southampton took the spoils on the south coast thanks to two Everton own-goals.  His side gifted Southampton the points with two own-goals in the opening half.

Now they must make sure they win their remaining two games against Manchester City and Hull and hope Arsenal come unstuck in at least one of their three remaining matches – starting with the game against Newcastle Monday night.

The Gunners, who also host West Brom and visit Norwich, are now firm favourites to claim fourth place.

But defiant Martinez said: “I always felt that to get into the Champions League is going to take a lot of points, maybe 72 or 75.

“We have 69 points with two games to go, which is a phenomenal return.

“We are going to get galvanised.

“Historically, only once has fourth place been secured by 76 points in over 15 years.

“In terms of points, if we can reach 72 or 75 it is a remarkable achievement.

“I just want as many points as we can get – and we will be giving everything to pick up six points from our last two games.

: There was nowhere for the Everton defender to hide after his early own-goal.

“After those games we will look at the table to see where we are.”

There could not have been a worse start for Everton, as their defensive frailties, in the absence of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka, were cruelly exposed inside the first minute.