Everton Football Club News

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

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Moyes rejects fan criticism

22 Feb 2007 - 08:56:22

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Everton boss David Moyes has rejected criticism from the Goodison Park faithful following the Toffees' last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Spurs on Wednesday evening.

Moyes' half-time decision to replace striker Victor Anichebe with defender Gary Naysmith and the substitution of Manuel Fernandes late on earned the ire of the home fans after Jermaine Jenas struck an 89th minute winner.

Earlier, Mikel Arteta had cancelled out Dimitar Berbatov's opener for Spurs with a superb 25-yard free-kick.

"Sometimes you make decisions that work, sometimes they don't," reflected Moyes afterwards.

"We felt we had to take off Manuel Fernandes towards the end even though he had been a threat because he was tiring.

"We also took off Victor Anichebe at the break and sent on Gary Naysmith in midfield because we had been outplayed in that first half.

"We had to take a brave decision and in many ways it worked. We were the better side after the break and created chances, so it was a real blow to lose it like that.

"I understand the fans' frustrations and no-one is more frustrated than me. But I felt we were more likely to win it in the closing minutes than them."