Arsene Wenger 'an inspiration' at Arsenal, Roberto Martinez says
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 17/03/16 3:18pm
Roberto Martinez has defended "inspirational" Arsene Wenger ahead of Arsenal's crunch trip to Everton.
Wenger is facing some of the most vociferous criticism of his two decades in English football, and Arsenal go to Goodison Park on Saturday with their last remaining hope of a trophy under severe threat.
Defeats to Watford and Barcelona in the space of four days ended the Gunners' cup interests, and a similar result on Merseyside could leave them 14 points off the Premier League pace by the end of the weekend.
But Everton boss Martinez still sees Saturday's visitors as genuine title contenders and says Wenger's record deserves more than abuse from some Arsenal supporters.
"It just shows you the times that we live in," said Martinez, who has had his own critics among the Everton support during an inconsistent season.
"It's a need to criticise the losing team. It doesn't matter what you've done at a football club, the modern game is useless. Everyone knows better than you, and that's disappointing.
"You can see what Wenger has done at Arsenal. He has been inspirational for many managers. I think it's a very strong challenge for any individual. He is constantly innovative. These people don't come along too often."
Martinez's sympathy for Wenger will not stop him plotting victory this weekend, but the omens are poor: Everton have beaten Arsenal just once in nine years.
"I don't think it's a secret," he said. "They are a very good team. They have showed over the last 20 years that they are a really good side and they are built to win titles."
Bryan Oviedo is a doubt for the game and Gareth Barry is banned, but Mo Besic and Leighton Baines are both available.