Source: SKY_Sports
Moyes ignores injury excuse
David Moyes insists his side will cope without Mikel Arteta after Everton were dealt another injury blow.[LNB] The Toffees take on West Brom this Saturday, a game live on Sky Sports, but Moyes' side will have to contend without the services of midfield maestro Arteta.[LNB]The Spanish playmaker is out of action for the rest of the season after it was revealed the 26-year-old ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee against Newcastle last weekend.[LNB]Last Sunday's 0-0 draw with the Magpies added two more victims to the ever-growing casualty list at Goodison Park this campaign in the shape of sidelined Victor Anichebe and Jack Rodwell.[LNB]Long-term injuries to Louis Saha, James Vaughan and Yakubu have forced Moyes to use midfielder Tim Cahill as an emergency striker at times so drastic has the crisis been.[LNB]But the Everton boss has refused to bemoan his lack of luck over players' fitness and maintains his sixth placed outfit can manage.[LNB]No excuse"Yakubu and Vaughan went out and we have gone on and not made any excuses. We will do the same for Mikel," the Toffees boss said.[LNB]"We know he is very influential for us but we will try not to talk too much about the injured players.[LNB]"I think our football is at the same level as last season and I expect the players to play at that level.[LNB]"Just because we have lost Yakubu or Mikel doesn't give them the excuse not to reach the standards we set them.[LNB]"It is business as usual and it is an important three points we want to take against West Brom tomorrow."[LNB]Despite the injuries Moyes remains optimistic of being able to exert pressure on fifth-placed Arsenal, just four points above the Toffees.[LNB]Saturday's early kick-off represents an ideal opportunity for Everton to put pressure on Arsene Wenger's side.[LNB]Good position"We are in a good position but it is only February and nothing is won and lost," said Moyes.[LNB]"We will keep hanging in there and try to achieve a top-four place if we can.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Everton have won just once in five Premier League games but the visit of the bottom side gives them a chance to end that run.[LNB]Moyes, who is an admirer of Baggies boss Tony Mowbray, is taking nothing for granted.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"His teams play really 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."[LNB]
