David Moyes: Life down on the farm is great for Everton

Dec 28 2007

David Moyes is relishing life down on the farm as Everton prepare to face Arsenal tomorrow.

The Scottish boss has seen his side lose only once in 15 games in all competitions at home and abroad.

The team’s excellent form has coincided with a move to a new high-tech training ground at Finch Farm, near Liverpool Airport.

Moyes said: “Moving there has helped. It has given us all a lift. As a club, were are trying to make progress.

“Not only that, all round the team is better and we have enjoyed a good start to the first half of the season.

“The players are playing much better and we have become more creative.

“We also have players who can play in different positions and are adaptable. That is the encouraging.

“It is probably the best group in my time here, but can they get the best results?

“We have scorers in (Ayegbeni) Yakubu and Andrew Johnson, while Tim Cahill is also a threat.

“The defenders are much more trustworthy and playing really well. All in all, there are plenty of good things to report.”

Moyes aims to show a television audience that Everton now have a cutting edge that can damage the best sides.

In the process, they are aiming to claim a third successive victory against their opponents at Goodison Park.

He said: “While we have to make sure we are competitive, I want to show how much we have improved and how much we can play.

“We respect the top sides but we do not fear anyone. If we create chances like we have been doing recently, Arsenal will have a problem with us.

“Beating them twice at Goodison should give us extra confidence but we have to be at the top of our game.

“It is always difficult trying to beat Arsenal. Their football is delightful.”

The key to victory could be in the midfield area, where Everton’s Mikel Arteta faces fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas has been outstanding and his drive has rubbed off on the Gunners’ other gifted young players following the departure of the talismanic Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

Moyes said: “Fabregas is as good a player as there is in the Premier League.

“He is someone I admire and we will have to watch him closely.

“Arsenal’s young players have stepped up to the mark and taken more responsibility.

“Arsene Wenger is as good as anybody at giving young players a chance.

“Arsenal’s second string would be close to being in the top six or seven in the Premier League.”

Moyes will make a late decision on Phil Neville’s fitness. The club captain took part in a light training session today but has still not fully recovered from a stomach bug.

On-loan midfielder Thomas Gravesen is also doubtful after taking a knock in his knee in Wednesday’s victory against Bolton.