LIVERPOOL // When eras begin at Goodison Park, it is often with pyrotechnics. Not Roberto Martinez's managerial career on Evertonian turf, however, which started with a stalemate that, if stylish in patches, was nonetheless drab.
The contrast with his predecessor's reign was stark. David Moyes's Everton were ahead after 27 seconds of his bow. Go back further and Joe Royle started with a derby victory over Liverpool. Martinez's home debut was altogether quieter.
The Spaniard received a warm ovation, but 90 minutes later, the Goodison Park regulars were frustrated. Everton, in the style of a Martinez team, have displayed a greater focus on the technical than the physical, but a side who drew too many games last season have begun the current campaign by sharing the points twice. Martinez was agonisingly close to his first win, denied by the West Bromwich Albion woodwork. It could have been a valedictory goal from Marouane Fellaini, the Manchester United target Everton are determined to keep.
With nine minutes remaining, Phil Jagielka crossed to the Belgian subject of a £28 million (Dh160m) joint bid from Moyes along with Leighton Baines and the unmarked Fellaini angled a shot against the post. So near but so far.
"It was just getting the goal," Martinez said. Perhaps this was Fellaini's farewell, but not if Everton get their way. "They are true ambassadors of Everton," Martinez said. "The position we have got is we don't want to sell."
The mild-mannered Spaniard was annoyed both that United's offer became public news and that it was, in his opinion, so small.
"When you see that you invest money in a player and five years later you get offered the same money after performing really well, that becomes a little bit of a nonsense," he added, before referring to the Wayne Rooney saga. "I am sure they have got many issues in the same manner and I could easily come out and give my opinions about these players, but I will be more respectful than that."
After a quiet first half-hour, Everton attacked with greater verve. They found the right flank a profitable avenue and Ben Foster an especially obdurate opponent. The visiting goalkeeper saved athletically from Kevin Mirallas and then Seamus Coleman.
A second-half double stop from Ross Barkley and Fellaini was another indication of the Foster's fine form. The worry for the watching England manager Roy Hodgson was not Foster's form, but his fitness. He limped off with a dozen minutes remaining.
"The pain was strong and the fact he went off the pitch tells you it is an injury we have to be worried about," West Brom head coach Steve Clarke said.
Luke Daniels, Albion's third-choice goalkeeper, was finally given his debut, nine years after joining, and Everton's attacks intensified. Fellaini struck the woodwork and had a goal-bound header blocked by Billy Jones.
"Our season starts now," said Clarke, whose side lost to Southampton last week. The absent Nicolas Anelka's career might, too, as the Frenchman contemplates retirement. Clarke will meet the striker this week.
At least Everton know that if they lose Fellaini and Baines, it will be altogether more profitable.
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