Draw at Emirates still rankles Moyes

When looking back on the 2008/9 season, one result still rankles with Everton manager David Moyes.

There was an understandable feeling of deflation immediately after the whistle, obviously created by the fact we had been so, so close to all 3 points, but no Evertonian could have felt anything but immense pride in the performance of their team on this day.

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We had gone to one of the best stadiums in the country, against one of the best footballing sides in the country, we had braved the elements and our players had given one of the most solid, controlled, composed, intelligent, counter-attacking displays of football that we have had the privilege of being witness to for a long, long time.

Arsenal 2 – 2 Everton.

The fact it still rankles with Moyes tells its own story.

He said: “I remember thinking that we had to show that the 6-1 result against Arsenal was a one-off and it couldn’t happen again,”

“Mind you, we had been beaten a few years ago by seven at Arsenal so there has been a bit of history there! Landon Donovan made his debut after his arrival on-loan and the weather was awful.

“The snow was blowing into Steven Pienaar’s face as he was racing through to chip the goalkeeper! It was a really good performance and we had James Vaughan right through on the goalkeeper to make it 3-1. Unfortunately he didn’t score and within minutes Arsenal made it 2-2.

“It was really harsh on us and very difficult to take because we thoroughly deserved to come away with the win.”

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