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Moyes happy with life on the Farm

Sat 29 Dec, 10:30 AM


Everton boss David Moyes reckons the club's move to a new training ground has played a big part in their recent run of good form.The Scottish boss has seen his side lose only once in 15 games in all competitions at home and abroad ahead of Saturday's home clash against Arsenal.

The team's excellent form has coincided with a move to a new high-tech training ground at Finch Farm, near Liverpool Airport.

Moyes said: "Moving there has helped. It has given us all a lift. As a club, were are trying to make progress.

"Not only that, all round the team is better and we have enjoyed a good start to the first half of the season.

"The players are playing much better and we have become more creative.

"We also have players who can play in different positions and are adaptable. That is the encouraging.

"It is probably the best group in my time here, but can they get the best results?

"We have scorers in (Ayegbeni) Yakubu and Andrew Johnson, while Tim Cahill is also a threat.

"The defenders are much more trustworthy and playing really well. All in all, there are plenty of good things to report."

Meanwhile Moyes has entered the offside debate and urged the authorities to clarify the situation.

The anomalies in the way the rule is interpreted were again highlighted on Thursday when Roque Santa Cruz brought Blackburn level against Manchester City and secured a point.

Moyes has compiled a presentation and referees' chief Keith Hackett visited the club as an observer.

"The decisions are unbelievable and if we showed you the stuff we put together, I think you would all be very surprised at what now is considered onside and offside," said Moyes.

"I have already spoken to the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) and the LMA (League Managers' Association) about it.

"The players and the managers do not know the rules, so we are in a difficult situation here. Because of that, something really has to be done."

Moyes aims to show a television audience that Everton now have a cutting edge that can damage the best sides.

He said: "While we have to make sure we are competitive, I want to show how much we have improved and how much we can play.

"We respect the top sides but we do not fear anyone. If we create chances like we have been doing recently, Arsenal will have a problem with us.

"But it is always difficult trying to beat Arsenal. Their football is delightful."

Phil Jagielka is confident they can make it a hat-trick of Premier League victories against the Gunners at Goodison Park.

He told evertontv: "Arsenal are very sharp but they will be looking at our results and be expecting a hard game.

"We are going out there to try and win the game and cause them a lot of problems.

"We have done well recently and hopefully we will carry on picking up points."

Moyes will make a late decision on Phil Neville's fitness. The club captain took part in a light training session on Friday but has still not fully recovered from a stomach bug.

On-loan midfielder Thomas Gravesen is also doubtful after taking a knock in his knee in the victory against Bolton.

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