Roberto Martinez suggests Everton's performance against Manchester City shows they are getting ready for a big 2016.

The Toffees drew 0-0 with City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night in what was a much-improved defensive showing from Martinez's men.

It was a sixth-straight away match without defeat, married with just three victories at Goodison Park this term, which Martinez insists stems from yearning for more positive results on the road while attempting to entertain the supporters back on Merseyside.

Nevertheless, the Everton manager is looking head to a very fruitful second half of the 2015/16 Premier League season.

"We want to please the fans at home, win games and score goals, sometimes that means you lose a bit of focus in the defensive duties, but the style is the same, the personnel is the same," said the Spaniard.

"It's part of the learning process but you look at the experience we had at the back today. Phil Jagielka and Tim Howard showed incredible know-how and guidance to our youngsters.

"The resilience of the side shows you that we are getting ready for a strong second half of the season."