World NewsMoyes: It's a Tough Season |
Everton manager David Moyes has admitted he is finding it hard going at present.
After an inconsistent start to the campaign, the Toffeemen went into the international break on a high following their win at West Ham, only to suffer an immediate slump again on their return.The 3-0 defeat at Manchester United yesterday was not unexpected for a side who have not recorded a win at Old Trafford since 1993.
But the meek manner of the latest reverse would have concerned Moyes.
Until the half-time introduction of Ayegbeni Yakubu, Everton made virtually no impression on the contest and two late second-half goals were conceded far too easily.
A crucial trip to Hull now looms on Wednesday, with Moyes confirming solutions to his problems are not easy to come by.
"This season is a hard one because we have raised our standard at Everton and I expect more, as do the supporters," said Moyes.
"The disappointment is that we can't get back to the form we were in for most of last season. We are struggling to find that just now."
Injuries are an obvious source of Everton's problems and there is no immediate prospect of that situation easing, with Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta both on the long-term injury list and Phil Neville still a couple of weeks away from a comeback.
In fact, it will worsen at the KC Stadium as Marouane Fellaini is suspended after picking up his fifth booking.
Not that Moyes wants to use lack of numbers as a reason for Everton's troubles. If anything, it should be inspiring his remaining players to greater efforts.
"I am trying not to talk about injuries because I think it can become an excuse," he said.
"The players start to think about it so hope I have not gone on about it too much.
"What the players should be doing is grabbing the opportunity themselves instead of waiting for someone to come and take their place."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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