THE Blues boss was delighted with the performance of his team after their win over the Magpies on Sunday
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Moyes during the win over Newcastle (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
David Moyes said he was proud of his team as he hailed the win over Newcastle United as one of the best since his return to Everton. The Blues boss said he had entered this match with concern after a dip in training at Finch Farm since the emotional farewell to Goodison Park last weekend.
With the Magpies fighting for Champions League qualification, and Everton guaranteed to finish 13th, this had the makings of a tough trip to the North East.
Instead, Everton silenced St James’ Park with a determined display that was capped off with Carlos Alcaraz’s second half header. After the match, Moyes said: “I thought it was a great performance, the character the players showed throughout the game. We turned up not really needing anything today from the game, we couldn't change our league position.
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“You wouldn't have thought that with the way the players performed today. I thought they were magnificent, maybe as good as we've been in any game in some ways. It says a lot about the players' attitude, their commitment. It would have been easy for them to be on the beach. They certainly weren't that today.”
Moyes congratulated Newcastle boss Eddie Howe for reaching Europe’s premier competition as results elsewhere went their way. The success Howe has enjoyed this season only highlighted just how impressive this win was, however.
Moyes, asked whether the desire shown by his players had been driven by the players or the coaching staff, said: “I was a little bit worried about this week because the training was just a wee bit lower. It is to be expected. We played a big game last week and finished off at Goodison. Sometimes it's quite difficult to remind people there's another game, but I have to say their professionalism, the way they got the job done, I was really proud of the players today, because Newcastle are in great form.
“This is probably the worst place you'd want to come in the last game of the season, St James' Park, with them needing to win maybe to qualify for the Champions League. And their form, Newcastle’s, has been so good.”