Record buoys Moyes

Everton manager David Moyes is looking forward to Monday’s trip to second-placed Manchester City after matching it with several ‘big’ teams this season.

Everton have won just one of their last eight but have held Manchester United, Arsenal and reigning champions Chelsea to draws this season.

“We’ve done well against what I see as some of the top teams in the league, but it’s difficult when we play teams we think we should be beating and we have not been able to do that,” Moyes said.

“That’s the way the league has gone this year but our record against the better teams has been pretty good.”

“You only look at your current form but there are always some grounds you feel comfortable going to. I’m not sure that’s the City of Manchester Stadium but we’ll go there and try to get a good result. I just try to win the games for Everton and the players do the same.”

Everton are close to the relegation zone but Moyes knows a couple of wins over the Christmas period could push them up the table.

“I’d rather be eighth rather than 18th, that’s for sure. Christmas is always a difficult period because a couple of wins can really change things for you but a couple of defeats could see you go the other way,” he said.

“With the league being so tight, you expect it to change from week to week. People always go to watch or play in games at this time of year. If you’re a manager you manage in this time of year and that’s just part of the job.”

Everton will be without the suspended Mikel Arteta while Ross Barkley is out with a broken leg. John Heitinga (knee), Tony Hibbert (ankle) and Steven Pienaar (groin) are all doubtful for the clash.