Pienaar expects Everton to shine after Utd fightback

South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar insists Everton’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester United will be the turning point in his club’s Premier League campaign.

David Moyes’ team have failed to record a league win in their first four matches this season as several players including Pienaar struggle to shake off World Cup hangovers.

But there was no questioning Everton’s spirit on Saturday as they took the lead against United thanks to Pienaar’s cool finish, then recovered from 3-1 down to rescue a point with stoppage-time goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.

Pienaar expects the fightback to signal a major upturn in Everton’s fortunes.

“It can definitely be a turning point,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“The comeback was amazing. For us it could be a big game, and as long as we keep the record of almost a year without a defeat at home we can go on.

“It’s only four games gone and we have 32 left so let’s hope and see.

“Our confidence hasn’t been dented at all. We are all full of confidence.”

Pienaar is in the last year of his contract at Goodison Park and negotiations appeared to hit a stumbling block during the close-season as he was linked with a move to Tottenham.

The 28-year-old has not let that affect him and he remains committed to the Toffees, as he showed with a dynamic display against United to highlight his return to form after the disappointment of South Africa’s first round exit from the World Cup on home soil.

“When you come back from pre-season and join a team late you have to catch up,” he said.

“But for me it wasn’t really a matter of that, it was just getting fully fit by playing games.

“Even if I made mistakes I just had to improve, so by playing even for the national team it’s helped me get sharper and get my confidence.

“I feel fit and that’s so important because I’m enjoying my football.”