Source: Telegraph
Losing Arteta is no excuse to lose says Everton's David Moyes
With Mikel Arteta ruled out until next season in the goalless draw at Newcastle last Sunday, a match which also saw Victor Anichebe injured for three weeks and Jack Rodwell hurt, Moyes is still not looking for excuses.
"Yakubu and James Vaughan went out and we have gone on and not made any excuses. We will do the same for Mikel," said Moyes. "We know he is influential for us but we will try not to talk too much about the injured players.
"Our football is at the same level as last season and I expect the players to play at that level. Just because we have lost Yakubu or Mikel doesn't give them the excuse not to reach the standards we set them. It is business as usual and it is an important three points we want to take against West Brom on Saturday."
Moyes does not think his side have been unluckier than anyone else and he has called on the squad players to seize the chance to impress at first-team level.
"One of our biggest problems was we started the season with a lot of people out and then we got into a period where we lost Yakubu and Vaughan.That is the way it is in life and any job; people move aside and you take the opportunity.
"If you can take the opportunity you can get yourself in the team and that is what we will be looking for in the coming months."
Despite the injuries Moyes remains optimistic of being able to exert pressure on fifth-placed Arsenal, just four points above.
Saturday's early kick-off represents an ideal opportunity for Everton to put pressure on Arsene Wenger's side.
"We are in a good position but it is only February and nothing is won and lost," said Moyes. "We will keep hanging in there and try to achieve a top-four place if we can.
"I hope we can put pressure on the teams above us but West Brom are a good footballing team and there will be periods where we have to be patient."
Everton have won just once in five Barclays Premier League but the visit of the bottom side gives them a chance to end that run.
Moyes, who is an admirer of West Brom manager Tony Mowbray, is taking nothing for granted.
"It would be nice to get the game won but you have to earn it and there will be a lot to do against West Brom," he said.
"His teams play good football and I like his style and what he stands for – it worked for him coming out of the Championship and maybe if they stay up this year they will be much stronger going into next season."
