DAVID MOYES has hailed the return of the mean streak that helped Everton rediscover winning ways at the weekend.
The Goodison outfit kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
It was only the third shut-out of the season for Moyes’s side, who bounced back from the previous week’s dismal reverse in impressive fashion.
And the Everton manager reckons the emergence of the defensive solidity that provided the foundation for their fifth-place finish last season was the most significant positive on the afternoon.
“Tim Howard made a great save in the second half, took a couple of great catches and helped ease the pressure,” said Moyes. “But the big thing for me was the defending – it was outstanding throughout.
“Jags, Joe Yobo, Joleon Lescott and Phil Neville put themselves in the right positions at the right time.”
Another factor in Everton’s win was the performance of Mikel Arteta, who shone in a central midfield role alongside Marouane Fellaini.
The Spaniard has struggled for form in recent weeks when primarily employed on the flanks by Moyes.
But after his fine show at White Hart Lane, Moyes said: “Mikel’s performance at Tottenham was the Mikel Arteta we have all come to know – maybe he was really suited to the role.
“He has become so effective in wide areas and been such a threat that we have used him there.
“You notice when someone of his ability isn’t playing to the levels they can. But Mikel is a big influence.
“His talent is unquestionable. I’ve no doubts the consistency will return. Mikel has been very good for us and is trying to get back to the standards he’s set.”
Meanwhile, Everton have announced ticket news for their FA Cup third round tie at League Two side Macclesfield Town on Saturday, January 3.
Everton have received an allocation of 2,385 tickets for this fixture, of which a small quantity are seated.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday, December 15, with standing tickets priced at £16 for adults, £14 for seniors and £10 for juniors. The few seated tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £16 for seniors and £12 for juniors.
