Moyes praises returning Anichebe

David Moyes hailed the intervention of fit-again Victor Anichebe as his Everton side secured a 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Anichebe, 23, came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 69th minute of the English Premier League match at Villa Park, cancelling out Darren Bent’s opener for the hosts.

Nigeria striker Anichebe scored a late winner as a substitute away to West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Day, and is now showing glimpses of his best form after being sidelined for close to four months with a groin injury.

“It was a great finish,” Everton manager Moyes said.

“Victor has had a terrible couple of years with injury.”

“He can be a real handful and has got a good temperament.”

“We need to get him on the pitch more often because we know what he is capable of doing.”

Moyes also praised the contribution of USA international Landon Donovan, who joined the club last month in a loan deal from Major League Soccer champions LA Galaxy.

“I thought Landon was the best player on the pitch today,” Moyes said.

“He has come over here from Galaxy, completed the full 90 minutes, and it is a testament to the professional he is.”

Villa boss Alex McLeish was encouraged by his team’s performance, particularly compared with a 2-0 loss against a visiting Swansea side on January 2.

“With performances like that, the home wins will come,” he said.

“Aston Villa fans come here expecting to win and it was an improved showing on the performance against Swansea.”

He continued: “I thought our performance was very good, especially in the second half. I’ve spoken long and hard this week about concentration levels and attention levels and I thought it was much better today. The work rate was better, we feel that should be a given and that sort of attitude brings you quality.”