4-0 Liverpool and questions asked about Roberto Martinez’s future

Everton’s 4-0 Merseyside derby defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday night leaves the future of Toffees boss Roberto Martinez in the balance. The Toffees now face a crucial FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Saturday at Wembley.

Martinez has lost the faith of the majority of Everton fans and only a win against United and winning the FA Cup would help persuade those critics that the Spaniard is the man to move the team forward, after a campaign of underachievement in the Premier League.

The derby defeat was compounded by the fact Argentinian centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori was dismissed for a clumsy tackle on Belgian striker Divock Origi.

England international defender John Stones also had to be substituted with stomach cramps at Anfield and with centre-back Phil Jagielka sidelined through injury the Toffees are down to the bare bones in defence.

Roberto Martinez’s teams defence could be up against it against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on Saturday. However the Spaniard somehow must muster a win for the Toffees, or the fans will completely lose faith in the former-Wigan boss.

The Everton hierarchy, including lifelong supporter Bill Kenwright has always been loyal to their bosses and rumours doing the rounds on Merseyside suggest that Martinez will keep his job regardless of what happens against United.

There is no doubt that Martinez has not been able to get the best out of a very talented group of players. The former-Wigan boss has mystified with his tactics and substitutions at times this season.

The FA Cup semi-final would be an apt time for the Spaniard to prove that he is capable of getting the best out of his talented squad.