Leon Osman: "We have taken the next step"

Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes that the club have taken the "next step" under manager Roberto Martinez this season.

Martinez replaced David Moyes at Goodison Park and has guided his side to the brink of the Champions League places in his first campaign with the club.

He told The Mirror: "I've always enjoyed playing for this club. I love the place. And, ultimately, football is about winning games and I would rather be without the ball for 89 minutes and win rather than have all the ball and end up losing.

"But, if you can put the two things together – retain lots of possession and win games – then any footballer will tell you that's a lot more satisfying.

"That's what we have done under Roberto Martinez. We have taken the next step. There's been no period of transition."

Everton face Arsenal later today in their crunch Premier League clash.