David Moyes Defends Everton Tactics

Everton manager David Moyes has hit back at suggestions today that he went to Anfield with the intention of holding out for a draw rather than trying to force a win. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had earlier suggested that the Scotsman's team and tactics were negative, and the Toffees were quite happy with their second 1-1 draw at Anfield in a week.

"It was a tough game and now we have come to Anfield twice in a week and got draws," Moyes told Sky Sports earlier.

"There has been a lot said about us not being in the next round, but we have given ourselves a good chance to go through now.

"I have never gone anywhere looking for a draw, I may have taken one in the end, but we have looked after our business and we do things with a bit of dignity at Everton."

In mitigation, Moyes can point to the lengthy injury list at Goodison Park that has seen three of his front line strikers in Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Louis Saha and James Vaughan all sidelined for lengthy periods in recent weeks. Matters on that score weren't helped when Victor Anichebe also limped out of today's encounter.

The Blues were also still without attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini, suspended, as he had been for the league clash with Liverpool earlier in the week.

"We had a lot of players out and Liverpool, over the two games had all their players available," Moyes added.

"We did not have the physical capabilities within what we had to do anything different. We would have liked to, but that was all we had."

The Everton boss also felt that his team had acquitted themselves well over the two games, particularly when facing a a team challenging for the title, like Liverpool.

"You face a side with a lot of big players, who have spent big to win trophies, so that makes it difficult for a side like Everton," he continued.

"Liverpool has so much possession and played well. But I felt we were comfortable, defensively. They are in good form and showed it."

--Zack Wilson, Goal.com