DAVID MOYES insists he is leaving an Everton side which can match the top clubs in the Premier League – after his final game in charge at Goodison was marked by an impressive victory over West Ham.

The Blues ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Sam Allardyce’s men yesterday, thanks to two well-taken Kevin Mirallas goals during a largely one-sided display of attacking intent from the Toffees.

And Moyes, who will become Manchester United manager in the summer, believes his replacement will inherit a team capable of progressing even further.

He said: “It was a perfect finish. More important for me was how well Everton played today. I thought we played like a top team not one in fifth or sixth. We’d have been a match for any side today.

“Their level of professionalism to show they didn’t get caught up in anything was a credit. Whoever comes in here next will enjoy that. They are a really good group of players.

“The team have been great. For us to finish where we are on a limited budget with less resources than many other clubs, and up until two weeks ago still with a chance of Champions League qualification.

“Look at the runs of Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. It’s only their runs that have meant we haven’t been able to get a big closer to it.

“We haven’t done bad ourselves. We qualified for the Champions League with less points than what we have got now. I’m really proud of my players.”

Moyes received a rousing farewell, and was given a guard of honour by his players afterwards – while the home supporters sang his name repeatedly throughout the game.

“It was really emotional,” he said. “All the stewards were standing clapping me when I came in, and I didn’t know what to do.

“I came here 11 years ago and it was really emotional when I walked out on the pitch a lot of people probably didn’t know who I was.

“The chairman took a big gamble. Giving a young British manager an opportunity to work. He needs a lot of credit for that. Then inside 20 seconds Unsy gets the goal and it’s a great start.

“I’m really fortunate to get the reception I got today. I am gobsmacked and thankful and humble for what the people of Everton have shown me today.

“What I will miss was what you saw in the middle of the second half today. The supporters weren’t cheering David Moyes, they were cheering their football club. That was the toughest part for me today.

“The crowd showed how big Everton are and what it means to them. That was a difficult time and they were great. The team were terrific in that part of the game as well, but the fans made it easy. Every year we have improved year in year out, that’s the one thing I will walk away with thinking.”