Martinez bemoans poor Lille pitch as Everton play out dreary goalless draw

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was pleased enough to come away from his side’s Europa League trip to Lille with a share of the points to maintain the Toffees’ lead at the top of Group H.

The Premier League weren’t at their best as Martinez’s much-changed team played out a lifeless 0-0 draw in France.

Chances were at a premium for both sides, though the Toffees did improve following the introduction of Romelu Lukaku in the second-half, and Martinez feels the poor state of the Stade Pierre-Mauroy pitch prevented his men from playing to their full attacking potential.

"For us, it is about performing well and getting a positive result," said the boss.

"I was pleased in terms of players coming in [having made six changes to his first XI] and performing to a high standard, but I think the pitch didn't help either side - I think with a better pitch, we would have seen a lot more brilliant attacking football from both.

“I think all in all a draw was a fair result.

"If you could measure the pleasure at the end of the performance, it would be at 50 per cent because I thought we were fantastic defensively. But I did think we couldn't be ourselves going forward - the condition of the pitch didn't allow us to take risks."

Martinez had particular praise for Everton skipper Phil Jagielka, who did a fine job of keeping Divock Origi at bay, the forward loaned back to Lille after joining Merseyside rivals Liverpool over the summer.

"Nothing affects his level of performance,” the manager said of the England international.

"I think the last few weeks he has been immense. I do think he is a step ahead of where he was before."

Martinez also confirmed Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley required stitches for a head injury but is expected to be fine for Barclays Premier League trip to Burnley.

He added: "It was a cut on his eyebrow and he was bleeding heavily.

"I think there was a collision - an elbow or forearm.

"The Lille player was trying to block his run and caught him. I don't think it was anything really malicious, but I think if the referee had seen it, he would have been punished."