Roberto Martinez refuses to blame Everton style for current problems

Roberto Martinez is steadfastly refusing to blame Everton's attacking style for the side's current slump.

The Blues are currently 12^th in the table and have lost five of their last seven games, with the 3-2 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday their third on the trot.

Alongside their poor form has been an overall defensive frailty. So far the side has managed to concede 31 league goals in 19 games, a total that is just eight fewer than they conceded in the entirety of the last campaign.

Despite that, the Spaniard is refusing to change from the attacking style that brought him and Everton so many plaudits last year.  "Changing only brings doubts. I've been in this situation too many times," he said.

"Are we going to concede goals? Of course we are. Are we going to lose games? Of course we are. But it's important we know the way we want to play and that is never, ever going to be changed. Our style is very clear. It was very successful last season, giving us the biggest points tally in the Premier League in the history of our football club."

The recent losses to Southampton, Stoke and Newcastle United have come about as a result of defensive errors, and the manager does admit that his side needs to cut out the cheap goals they've been conceding if they are to save their season. Quite how they'll do that is another matter, with both John Stones and Phil Jagielka struggling to be fit for the trip to Hull City on New Years Day.

Do you think Martinez needs to change his style to resolve Everton's current situation? Or is it up to the players to start performing better? Share your thoughts in the comments below.