Everton FC News: Another ‘If only’ for David Moyes as Everton FC throw away 2-0 lead at Birmingham City

Mar 15 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC News: DAVID MOYES admits it will be difficult to reflect on this season without a sense of regret as Everton suffered another setback in their quest for European qualification.

The Goodison outfit were held to a 2-2 draw at near rivals Birmingham City on Saturday despite having raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 22 minutes.

It means they remain six points adrift of sixth place and a Europa League berth, despite having lost only two of their last 15 Premier League games.

Previous long-term absentees Victor Anichebe and Yakubu were on the scoresheet while Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka, who have both missed much of the season through injury, also started the match.

And Moyes accepts his team could be further up the league but for those debilitating fitness setbacks.

“I do think ‘if only’ but I don’t want to be looking back.

“I want to be looking back and think it was not because of injuries, have a football conversation at the end of it and not talk about injuries.

“I feel we have got a good team but we just couldn’t cope with so many major injuries at the start of the season.

“We are sort of over that but we still have some major players out.

“I wouldn’t say we have big squad. Strong, but you couldn’t use the word big. We probably have the least amount of numbers I would say in the Premier League compared to any club.”

Moyes added: “It’s been difficult when you don’t have a lot of big finances to change it. But I do think we have a good team. I think we have moved on as a team and a club so we’ll try to continue that.

“I don’t mind expectations if they are right – until one or two of the other teams spend £60-70m, then the money will dampen them. The money will make a difference.”

Everton’s bright start appeared to give them total control until Cameron Jerome pulled a soft goal back on 26 minutes, prompting a Birmingham revival which led to Craig Gardner’s equaliser shortly after half-time.

“We conceded a diabolical first goal,” said Moyes. “We didn’t block a cross, we were too deep and it ended up trickling in at the back post. That gave Birmingham a lifeline when it was really all us up to that point.

“Victor scored a good goal, a good team goal. We worked it well and passed it well. We did it with 10 or 12 passes but they kicked it up the field and scored with one pass.”

Goalscorer Anichebe limped off in the second half and the returning Tim Cahill was also substituted, with both injuries set to be assessed today.

“Tim’s calf stiffened up and Victor went over on his ankle,” said Moyes.

Saturday’s game marked the end of Landon Donovan’s 10-week loan spell at Goodison with the American heading back to MLS side LA Galaxy after scoring twice in 13 appearances.

“Overall I am very pleased with how the loan spell went,” said Donovan. “It was always the case I was going to go back on March 15.

“Everton have made it clear they wanted me to stay but I have to respect my team in LA. I am the captain there and it would send the wrong message not to go back.

“I think the biggest thing has been from a confidence stand point to know I can do well in the Premier League. I would consider coming back and I could never have imagined it would go this well.

“But I am a member of the Galaxy and I have signed a new deal there. It is a team I love playing for and am so excited to get back there.

“But my guess would be if I ever comeback to the Premier League it would be to this club.”