Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, Everton left the Etihad Stadium with plenty of positives to take from the game.
David Moyes’ side were very competitive against one of the best sides in the Premier League, and that was without key players Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Moyes admitted he was happy with the way Everton played and reiterated that he’s still building at the moment.
“I’m pleased with how we played. We were a bit disappointed when we lost the first goal. It was only 1-0 but to give them a second goal quickly was a killer for us. But there are a lot of good things we could talk about and what we’ve done well. We’ve come here and given them a bit of a game.”
The Scotsman was also full of praise for one Toffees star in particular.
Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
David Moyes singles out Iliman Ndiaye after Man City defeat
Speaking post-match, Moyes singled out Iliman Ndiaye after his terrific performance, although the Scotsman admitted he did fatigue.
“I thought Ili’s performance in the first half was outstanding,” the Toffees boss said.
“I thought he was a standout player at that time in the game. I just saw signs that he had fatigue during the game because of (recent internationals), and even the (first) goal, we just got it a yard wrong from stopping the pass going through.
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“Ili is playing really, really well but I just don’t know if maybe the two games for his international team just took a bit more out of him and the travel as well.
“But he played very well, just unfortunately he couldn’t get us a goal.”
David Moyes happy with Everton’s away progress
Whilst yesterday’s result was disappointing, Moyes admitted he is pleased with his side’s progression away from home.
“We’ve had a very good away record and I actually in some ways fancied myself coming here. We went about it (the right way), we tried to be on the front foot as often as we could be.
“We wanted to play. We think we’re playing with a more open style. We still wanted that to be today. We created a few chances but I don’t know if we’re going to get seven or eight chances where we take it. The one or two we got today were actually big opportunities.”
Everton are back in action next Sunday, as they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they remain undefeated.
Then a trip to Sunderland ensues before another home clash against Fulham, so the Toffees have a decent run of fixtures coming up.