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January was a continuation of the misery that December inflicted on Everton fans. The Blues finally mustered a win in the last game of the month, but it was pretty tough sledding before that. Of the six games Everton played, they finished with one win, four draws (counting the penalty shootout loss to West Ham United in the FA Cup as a draw) and one loss. The strike force has been misfiring badly, with just five goals scored in those six games. However, it is encouraging that the defence has looked up lately since John Stones has returned from injury while Joel Robles has not been a nervous wreck between the sticks either.
We also saw Roberto Martinez playing his transfer window cards very close to his chest - the press has speculated on a lot of player additions, but none have come to fruition as yet with just over a day to go. Meanwhile, the disruptive influence of Samuel Eto'o is not at Finch Farm anymore - he has transferred to Sampdoria in the Serie A where he has been promised a Board of Directors' role as well as a movie based on his life (we kid you not).
Here is the summary of Everton's performances this January -
0-2 loss, away at Hull City (Premier League) - Match Info
1-1 draw, home against West Ham United (FA Cup) - Match Info
1-1 draw, home against Manchester City (Premier League) - Match Info
2-2 draw (8-9 SO loss), away at West Ham United (FA Cup) - Match Info
0-0 draw, home against West Bromwich Albion (Premier League) - Match Info
1-0 win, away at Crystal Palace (Premier League) - Match Info
The Blues face a hectic month of February, with the fixture congestion slightly relieved now that they don't have to play in the FA Cup any more. Until then though, how did you think Roberto did in January? Feel free to consider his tactics, team selection, in-game adjustments and any other criterion where he has been involved. Further, also take into consideration what he's doing with the youth squads and how he has rotated the squad with the added pressures of playing in the Europa.