Hard work the key for Everton victory

Everton boss David Moyes has credited perseverance and team spirit for his side’s shock defeat of Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Toffees travelled to Stamford Bridge for their fourth-round replay in the midst of a disappointing run in the Premier League, including a 2-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers last weekend that Moyes described as one of the worst performances he had witnessed.

But one week later the manager was singing Everton’s praises after they upended the reigning Cup champions 4-3 on penalties, following an extra-time period that saw Leighton Baines cancel out Frank Lampard’s goal in the 119th minute.

“Our work-rate was questioned last week and I said the players here normally respond, and they certainly responded today,” Moyes told ESPN.

“The games against Chelsea have been really tight over the years, so to come back to Stamford Bridge again this season was a daunting task to a side that has not lost a game in the cup for how long, two or three years now?”

“It doesn’t matter. The boys stuck at it, we got a free-kick at the end and it was a great goal and obviously the penalty kicks were excellent.”

“It was no more than we deserved over the two games. We rode our luck with a couple of things and in the second half Chelsea got much better, but no more than we deserved in the game, the players were terrific the whole game.”

Moyes was bullish when quizzed if the win would revive an Everton side sitting in 13th place on the Premier League table, a mere three points clear of the relegation zone.

“I have been asked that question every week for 25 weeks now so all I can say is we are through in the Cup,” he said.

“You saw an Everton team and an Everton performance with a great team spirit, and you saw a great deal of good ability as well.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was despondent after the game, but vowed to remain upbeat even as the defending league champions contemplate a trophy-less season.

“Obviously, we are not happy but we have to look forward, to use these days, the next days, to recover well, to recover energy and to prepare well (for) the next game in the Champions League (against FC Copenhagen),” Ancelotti said.

“I think that we have the time. It will not be easy but we have the time.”

“Obviously, penalties are a lottery and sometimes you can win and sometimes you can lose. But this is football. Every time the team doesn’t reach the result, obviously the manager is under pressure.”

“I have fantastic support from the club, from my players. And together we have to move on.”