Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Moyes hails lethal Yakubu

09 Dec 2007 - 12:54:42

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Everton boss David Moyes hailed the match-winning display of Ayegbeni Yakubu after the striker's impressive hat-trick in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham.

The Nigerian forward brought a quiet game at Goodison Park to life with three goals in 30 second-half minutes to move the Toffees up to seventh in the table.

Yakubu has now scored nine times following his £11.25million move from Middlesbrough in August.

"The crowd was quiet and it was a really dour, damp, cold day and everyone had trouble getting up for it," admitted Moyes.

"The first goal was important and we got it quickly in the second period and didn't look back from there.

"I didn't think we were in any trouble in that first half despite the difficulties but Yak's goal changed it. That's what goalscorers do. That's what he is, not just a centre-forward.

"What we've wanted from him is what he's given his other clubs, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough. He's scored goals and he has an excellent record at that.

"He was a top goalscorer and one of the highest in the Premier League. It's only Thierry Henry who has scored more in four years or so.

"We obviously want the other part of his game, hard work, but the goals are what we're really after on a regular basis.

"Everton have a heritage as an industrious club. You work hard when you come here, and he has taken that on board as well. In that second half, he got his rewards."