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Page last updated at 18:05 GMT, Saturday, 2 October 2010 19:05 UK

Everton boss David Moyes expects more after first win

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Moyes relieved to get first win under belt

Everton manager David Moyes refused to get carried away after his side won their first Premier League match of the season with a 2-0 win over Birmingham.

A Roger Johnson own goal and Tim Cahill header helped Everton break their duck to climb off the foot of the table.

"I am really pleased we won and the players did great," said Moyes.

"But I'm not jumping about because they are good enough to win games like this and I've told them that and that I expect them to win."

He added: "If you are in management, you get really down when you are at the bottom of the table and when you get one win you don't get too excited because you know you need more than that to be successful."

Moyes believes the victory at Birmingham also provided his side with the type of reward which he feels they have missed out on, despite similar performances, in previous games.

"We are good enough to win games as anybody who has seen us play this season will tell you," stated the Toffees boss.

I don't think we deserved it

Blues boss Alex McLeish on the booing his side received

"We've just not scored the goals and I thought the game against Birmingham might be similar. But we played really well. We passed it well and made numerous opportunities which we didn't take.

"Our performance was really good. It has been in most of the games apart from us getting the goals.

"The performances don't need to turn because they have been really good. Maybe the little bit of luck like for the first goal, do we need that? Everybody needs that.

"Do we need to be a bit more clinical? If we are looking at it closely, yes we need to try to take more of the opportunities we are getting.

"Overall, apart from the Newcastle game, the players have done really well and I've got nothing but praise for them."

Steven Pienaar missed the victory over the Midlands club with a groin injury and the midfielder could be out of action for up to a month.

"He hurt his groin on Wednesday in training and it looks as if he might be out for two to four weeks," explained Moyes.

"Two weeks would be good, four would not be. It is a real blow because he played so well at Fulham and is an influential player.

"I'm hoping he can heal quickly and at least we have got the international break coming up."

606: DEBATE
Busby

Birmingham were booed off at the end of the game and manager Alex McLeish believes the reaction of some of the home crowd to the loss was unjustified.

"I don't think we deserved it," said McLeish, whose side had their club record-equalling 18 game unbeaten run at home ended by the defeat.

"We need the home support behind us. I have been telling them for the last couple of years just how important they are to us.

"We're disappointed to lose the proud home record but now we've got to start again.

"Most teams stay up in this division by making sure their home form is good."

Birmingham struggled in attack and McLeish has told the club's strikers they need to prove their worth.

"I have thrown down the gauntlet to all our strikers," he added. "Places are up for grabs in the front areas.

"I want to see more in training and reserve matches and the opportunity is there for someone.

"Cameron Jerome is putting himself about up front but we need someone else to be a threat up there."



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see also
Birmingham 0-2 Everton
02 Oct 10 |  Premier League
How to watch Match of the Day
09 Aug 11 |  Match of the Day


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