Britton not surprised by Everton form

Leon Britton isn't surprised Everton are flying high under Roberto Martinez as the Swans prepare to face the Spaniard's new side on Sunday (4pm).

Martinez, who had two spells with the Swans as both player and manager, makes a return to the Liberty with the Toffees currently occupying fifth position in the Barclays Premier League.

Since taking over the reigns as Everton manager in the summer, the Spaniard has got off to a fantastic start at his new club, but it comes as no shock to Britton.

"They've had a great start to the season," said Britton. "Roberto's come in, and it seems as though they have just hit the ground running.

"They've got a good squad there, but Roberto has come in and put his own stamp on things. He has his own ideas - which we know about here - about how he wants his team to play.

"Watching them recently, they've been playing really well, but it's not a surprise to anyone here at Swansea.

"He had a massive impact here as a player. He then took on the manager's job when he was very young, which might have surprised people, but, again, he had a massive impact.

"Straight away, he changed the way we played to 4-3-3. The training changed, as well as pre-season - everything was with the ball. 

"You talk about where we are now, but I think he started that, if you look back maybe seven years ago.

"We owe Roberto a lot for what he did here."

Focus now turns to Sunday's fixture, where the Swans will be hoping that they can break their duck against Everton - a side they are yet to record a win against.

Despite the daunting statistic, it's not something that fazes Britton, who claims Sunday's game will be different from previous encounters.

"These records are there to be broken," said the Swansea midfielder. "We've never beaten Everton, but Sunday is a different Everton to the team that we played over the previous two seasons, so hopefully we can put that one to bed.

In order to put that record to bed, Britton acknowledges the fact that the Swans will have to be on top form, in order to keep their opponents out.

In particular, Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 8 goals in the Premier League, so far this season.

"We know he is going to be Everton's main goal threat. He's very difficult to stop because he's very powerful and has so much ability for somebody so young.

"For any team, if you can get a goalscorer who can score 15-20 goals, it can be the difference, but hopefully the boys at the back can deal with him and keep him out.

"Lukaku's made a big difference to them, but also someone like Gareth Barry, who has come in and is very experienced.

"He's won the Premier League and has many England caps, so he's probably helping the younger players there like Barkley and James McCarthy. I think he's been a very good signing too."