Moyes plays down Everton´s fast start

Everton manager David Moyes has moved to play down expectations as his team’s impressive start to the season continued on Saturday.

Hosts Everton came from behind to a 3-1 win at home to promoted Southampton, courtesy of two goals from Nikica Jelavic and one from Leon Osman at Goodison Park.

The victory leaves Everton second on the English Premier League table, three points behind leaders Chelsea.

But long-serving manager Moyes insisted the club’s first priority is to retain their top flight status, before considering potential Champions League qualification.

“I don’t think Everton managers can come in here and say ‘Let’s avoid relegation’ but I think that is always the first route for every club and it still is for Everton,” he said.

“The next part is then ‘Can we make a European spot and if you are very good can you make the dream spots, the big ones?

“I’d like to be in there, in the mix, during the season but I don’t think Manchester United and Manchester City will be worried to see Everton there at this time of the year.

“They might be worried if in April time we slip to the top of the league.”

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins was pleased with his team’s early showing away from home, but was left to rue missed opportunities.

“I think we started the game very well and for the first 20 to 25 minutes we have taken the game to Everton,” he said.

“We scored a good goal from a corner and if Jay Rodriguez had gone in and scored (when clean through) to make it 2-0 it might have been a different final reflection.

“Second half we came out with good composure to pass the football and if Gaston Ramirez’s little chip had just gone inside the post rather than outside it could have been an interesting final period.”