Roberto Martinez: 'Everton showed character and fought until the end'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised his players for showing character and fighting "until the end" in their 3-2 defeat away at Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Toffees opened the scoring within the first five minutes through Arouna Kone, but went on to find themselves 3-1 down by the latter stages of the second half.

Despite a late Kevin Mirallas goal, the visitors couldn't push on and find a third as the Magpies claimed all three points.

Martinez told reporters after the game: "We imposed ourselves early on and scored a good goal from open play - if we got a second goal then the game would have been over.

"We're disappointed to concede a goal in the second phase of a set play. We need to be strong in those moments. You look at the character we showed and fought until the end."

Everton sit 12th in the Premier League following the defeat.