Everton boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with the way his young players performed during their comprehensive 3-0 victory at Southampton on Saturday.

The Toffees endured a difficult start to the new season last weekend when they twice came from behind to scramble a 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Watford, but they put in a much more assured performance at St Mary’s.

Two goals from Romelu Lukaku and one from Ross Barkley was enough for the Blues to secure their first victory at the south coast club since April 2002, and their Spanish boss revealed his happiness with how his younger players performed during the match.

He said: “Today we looked pretty strong in every department with young players like Barkley, Lukaku and John Stones. Our performance had incredible maturity. The talent has clearly been here for a long time.”

The 42-year-old has only added three players to his first team squad over the summer, with some people questioning the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market, but the former Wigan boss is pleased with the continuity within his side.

He continued: “I know that now we are in a frantic media time saying we need to win games, but as a group of players we are bringing continuity.”

The Merseysiders will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign when they host Manchester City at Goodison Park next Sunday, but they are outsiders at 4.20 to secure the three points while Manuel Pellegrini’s side are available at 1.80 and the draw is on offer at 3.60.