Everton striker Arouna Kone (R) celebrates with defender Ramiro Funes Mori (2R) after scoring his team's second goal at Goodison Park in Liverpool on November 1, 2015. PHOTO: AFP
Kone, 31, struck three times at Goodison Park and also created a goal for Gerard Deulofeu as Martinez’s side ended a three-game winless run and climbed into the top half of the Premier League table.
Having sustained a serious knee cartilage injury shortly after signing from Wigan Athletic in 2013, Kone made only 12 league appearances last season, but Martinez applauded him for sticking to his guns.
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“His springboard was against Watford on the opening day,” said the Spaniard, referring to a 2-2 home draw in which Kone scored a late equaliser. “He had a career-threatening knee-injury, but when he came on against Watford, to show he could help the team and perform, it was an incredible turning point. Since then we have seen a very good footballer.”
It was a first hat-trick in English football for Kone, who played for Ivory Coast at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
“It’s my first hat-trick in the Premier League. Before I scored [one] in the Netherlands,” Kone told Sky Sports. “It was a great performance by the team and we want to continue like that.”
Top-of-the-table clash: Arsenal welcome league leaders United to The Emirates
Southampton ready to slug it out
Ronald Koeman claims Southampton are ready to slug it out with the Premier League’s heavyweights after producing one of the best performances of his reign.
Koeman’s side climbed to seventh in the table with a 2-0 victory over local rivals Bournemouth on Sunday that showcased the creativity and intelligence of a squad approaching the peak of their powers.
“We can be competitive with big clubs in the Premier League, that we know,” said Koeman. “We aren’t so worried with the position in the table. We know we can beat everyone.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2015.
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