Everton boss David Moyes has reflected on last night’s League Cup win over Mansfield Town.
The Blues overcame the League One opponents in the second round of the EFL Cup with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win for Moyes’ side.
A fairly pedestrian opening period had seen Everton wasteful in front of goal. However, Charly Alcaraz broke the deadlock early in the second half with a wonderful strike to open the scoring.
Beto doubled the lead late on to secure the victory, with the impressive Harrison Armstrong assisting both goals.
It was a ‘job done’ type of evening, and David Moyes insists ‘we have to try’ to compete for silverware.
Speaking via BBC Sport at full time, Moyes stated: “We don’t have European football here and I have had it and know how difficult it is to play Thursday and Sunday. I want us to try to be as strong as we can.”
He continued: “We are not a side that will be competitive at the top end of the league but we have to try and be competitive in the cup. Everybody wants to win the cups, the draws are decisive in what you get.”
MOYES MUST TARGET CUP SUCCESS THIS SEASON
Everton are crying out for success, and it’s possible Moyes sees a cup run being a gateway to Europe, rather than league position.
Indeed, his comments echo those of Iliman Ndiaye, who recently revealed his ‘target’ of bringing success to Everton.
The League Cup has to be a priority this season. It presents an opportunity to end a trophy drought stretching back over 30 years.
Furthermore, it provides entry into the UEFA Conference League, a competition Moyes has won with West Ham.
It always seemed like there was unfinished business between Everton and David Moyes upon his departure. His tenure ending without genuine success felt like potential unfulfilled.
Everton have a new stadium and new owners, and Moyes now has some European clout. Both club and manager are in different positions than last time around. Perhaps it’s time to finally end the drought with Moyes at the helm.
The Toffees will travel to Molyneux for the next round, in a tricky but winnable tie against Wolves.
