Moyes marvels at Everton achievement

Manager David Moyes sang the praises of his team after they entered the Goodison Park record books by becoming the first Everton FC side to win six successive European games.

Young scorers
The 2-0 win away to SK Brann in their UEFA Cup Round of 32 first-leg encounter, courtesy of second-half strikes from homegrown talents Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe, gave this vintage their place in history. But it was the turnaround in their display after half-time that pleased the Everton manager more than the feat they achieved. "In the first half we were not going anywhere, not passing the ball quickly enough and not showing enough pace around the pitch," said Moyes.

Second-half improvement
"I am delighted with the way we turned this game around. We needed to improve after the break as we seemed to be trying to do everything perfectly in the first half. It was causing us problems and we were losing possession. Brann are a good side," added the 44-year-old. "They have just won the Norwegian championship and beaten a top side like Rosenborg [BK] to do it, so we know we have produced a very good victory here. I will not start thinking about the next round until we have completed the job. We need to show respect because Brann will come to Goodison Park desperate to get revenge for this."

Unlikely hero
Anichebe has become an unlikely talisman for Everton in their UEFA Cup run this term. The 19-year-old striker, born in Nigeria but raised in Liverpool, has scored just once in the league for the club this term but has come off the bench to fire four goals in Europe – all in the final five minutes of matches. "He is a strong lad and is being used by the boss to come on when defenders are tiring," said midfielder Lee Carsley. "He has done so well in this competition, we almost expect him to score now when he gets on the pitch."