Having just been named the League Manager’s Association manager of the year for the third time, more than Sir Alex Ferguson, Everton boss David Moyes will lead his men out at Wembley for the FA Cup final this afternoon.
Moyes believes it is about time that his team won a competition as for all the awards and great achievements in getting his Everton side to challenge the ‘big four’, he is yet to bring any silverware to Goodison Park.
He told the BBC,
“Before the semi-final I said we’re due to win something soon, and that doesn’t change for me. This is undoubtedly the best Everton team I’ve had. There is a great team spirit here, it’s very much team-orientated rather than individuals.”
David Moyes has, of course, already led his team out at Wembley, in the semi-final against Manchester United. He was absolutely against the playing of the semi-finals at Wembley, but now realises that the experience of that penalty shoot-out win could be invaluable.
“The match against Manchester United was as close to a final as you can get. The players have learnt from the surroundings there and what to expect on the day. We’re not in finals that often and there may be more focus on that. We will be the underdogs on Saturday and rightly so because Chelsea finished above us in the league but we’ll go there with confidence and I don’t think Wembley will be strange to us so I’m looking forward to it. The final is a one-off game between two teams and anything can happen on the day. We have to hope good fortune shines on us.”
In the Premier League this season third placed Chelsea and fifth placed Everton failed to produce a goal between them in their two games. There is nothing to suggest that this game will be any less tight than both of them were.
Moyes and his players are admirers of Guus Hiddink and what he has achieved at Chelsea since he arrived at the club in February. They are well aware that the Dutchman will be desperate to leave his spell at Stamford Bridge with a trophy.
“Hiddink has done terrific wherever he’s been. He’s come in and done a great job at Chelsea in a short time but let’s be fair, Chelsea’s players are good players and I think a lot of people could have taken on the Chelsea job and done a good job. But Hiddink’s experience has shown and he’s steadied them and made them a solid side in the last three to four months.”
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill played under Hiddink for Australia and he makes no secret of his respect for the man.
“The calibre and stature of the man speaks for itself. I’m very thankful for what he did in the World Cup. He’s honest, stamps his authority. None of his players get a chance to overpower him and never know if you’re going to be in the team or not.”
The team spirit that David Moyes has instilled at Everton shines through when you watch them play. This was confirmed by their goalkeeper, Tim Howard,
“If someone came through these doors with a big price-tag and a huge ego they’d get laughed at. The guys are so down-to-earth, even the star players like Phil Jagielka and Tim Cahill. There are no jerks around the place, it’s a fun place to come to work. You know people are going to put their heads down and put some hard work in, but it’s going to be kind of lively as well.”
Winger Steven Pienaar also made a good case for Everton to win the final,
“We have already beaten two of the top four to get to the final, Liverpool and then Manchester United, so why can’t we make it three? We have drawn with Chelsea twice already, so we really believe we can beat them this time. We accept that this will be a difficult final. Chelsea are a tough side with good players in all positions, but we believe we can certainly match them.”
Chelsea will start the game as hot favourites but there is no doubt that Moyes and Everton will be a tough nut to crack. It might not be a footballing classic but it should be fascinating.
Here goes with the prediction:
Everton 0 Chelsea 1
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