DAVID MOYES believes Everton’s classy display in their 3-1 victory over Manchester United shows just how far his side have progressed in footballing terms.
Whereas the Goodison outfit have had to battle to achieve results against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in the past, on this occasion they overcame the Premier League champions of the past three seasons with a high quality performance.
Moyes said: “I hope people wouldn’t just see me as someone who works hard. Today you would look and think, did we get it right tactically against Manchester United? You know, we played in a way to try and give us a foothold in the game.
“A different way that would give us something different. The players knew that and it may not have started this way but as the game went on we grew into it and I think we should be given a bit of credit, not just because of our spirit but also because of our tactics and the ability of the players.
“The night before the game when we had a meeting with the players at the hotel we told them that we were going after Manchester United tomorrow and we were going to try and win the game.
“We always go into that but I think there was an emphasis this time because we’re at that moment right now where we have to go and try to win the games. It’s because of where we are.
“I think mentally we are in that position. I’d been disappointed in midweek that we didn’t play as well as we should have done and I think the players knew that as well.”
A catalogue of serious injuries and the unsettling effect of Joleon Lescott’s transfer to Manchester City ensured Everton had a slow start to the current campaign but since November only neighbours Liverpool have defeated them in the Premier League.
Although Moyes’s men are now making up for lost time having overcome both of the leading contenders in the title race in the space of 10 days, he can’t help thinking what might have been as his in-form side are left playing catch-up in their bid to secure European qualification for the fourth consecutive season.
He said: “I’ve got a regret that I think we’ve had opportunities which we couldn’t take at the start of the season when I felt as if I was trying to play teams with my hands tied behind my back.
