Roberto Martinez defends under-fire goalkeeper Tim Howard

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has given a statement of faith and confidence in goalkeeper Tim Howard after the U.S. international drew criticism in recent weeks for conceding seven goals in the last two Premier League fixtures.

The Toffees have lost their last two matches against Leicester and Stoke City, with the latter providing onlookers with a back-and-forth performance that ultimately ended 4-3 in Stoke's favour.

But, for Martinez, those defensive woes don't just fall on Howard's shoulders.

"Every player's position is always under scrutiny; I think we are what we are because of the competition for places that we have," Martinez said. "But, in the same manner, I don't think it's a situation down to one individual. It would be very stupid from us just to think the solution is to blame someone. Tim Howard had an incredible moment against Newcastle, he had a great save in a key moment of the game.

"Clearly defensively we haven't been good enough of late at home and I don't think it's down to one player. But, in the same way, nobody has guaranteed their starting place just because of your name or your past."

With a test against Tottenham scheduled at Goodison Park for Sunday, Everton will have a chance to rebound from those two losses. And if the Toffees are to pull out a win, Martinez says, Howard will play a vital role.

"At the moment, we are realising that the importance of Tim Howard is to help a young team like ours to reach the best level and be as good as we can," Martinez said. "It's an area we don't want to look away from, we need to become better, we have to defend the box better, but I think that's a team responsibility rather than just highlighting one individual.

"Everyone will be needed and we can't wait to get rid of the horrible feeling we left ourselves against Stoke at Goodison."