David Moyes is not getting carried away. His injury-hit side may have taken 13 points from the last possible 15 to move 13 points clear of the Premier League relegation places, but the Everton boss refuses to believe the job has been done just yet.
Look, there is still huge caution,” said Moyes after the resurgent Blues followed their dramatic Merseyside derby draw with a 2-1 triumph at Crystal Palace on Saturday made all the more impressive given they were without nine first-team players.
But I want to start believing that we can be better, now. What I need to do, what I want, is more improvement. I want to see more improvement from the players as well. I want us to play better when we can.
But I don’t want us to lose the good habits they have got, being tough, resilient, committed, all the things which, when you’re not quite so good, you’ve got to make sure you do those well.”
Moyes has a point. While Everton are two or a maximum of three wins away from banishing any lingering relegation fears, their squad is down to the bare bones and will be for some time yet, while the April fixture list, even with ranks replenished, is a daunting one.
Moyes gets Everton. His public utterances since returning to the club have shown that. From his first press conference back at Finch Farm to what he said after the gutsy Selhurst Park success, the 61-year-old’s words have been pitch perfect.
