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There is a real sense of optimism among Everton supporters at the moment. Their side has started the season uncharacteristically well, playing expansive football and scoring plenty of goals. The architect to this surge of good form is their manager, David Moyes, according to the Life’s a Pitch team.

“I think he’s found that new challenge at Everton, because he’s just reinvigorated the club,” starts the Daily Mirror’s John Cross, who had wondered over the summer whether, after 10 years at Goodison Park, Moyes needed a new challenge elsewhere. “He’s taken on a new lease of life and he’s so impressed me with the business that he’s done recently – Nikica Jelavic from last season, and Kevin Mirallas [this season] as well.

“And he’s able to man-manage those players to such great effect that they’ll really run through brick walls for him. They’ve been so consistent. Yes, they’ve had some easier fixtures, but they’ve played really well. Having said that, they’ve still beaten Manchester United and they should have beaten Newcastle at home – they were a little bit unlucky. So credit where credit’s due. They’ve been terrific, Everton, and thoroughly deserve it [second place in the Premier League].”

John’s colleague at the Daily Mirror, Martin Lipton, agrees that Jelavic has been a key signing. “They’re hitting teams hard, scoring good goals. It helps when you’ve got movement up front because Jelavic is a proper striker, there’s no doubt about that – he’s scoring very good goals. Mirallas is a new signing and coming on well, and they’re getting goals from midfield.”

But Moyes is the glue that holds it all together. “The manager instils, commands and deserves respect and you can’t be part of that squad unless you understand that, because the other players will make sure that you do understand it or they won’t want you there.  He’s fostered it, but they all buy into it. That’s a rare gift in a squad, and a manager, to have that. And it’s a huge credit to Moyes and what he’s achieved there.”

Watch the full video discussion by clicking on the play button in the image above.

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QPR v Everton, 3.30pm, 21 October, Sky Sports 1
Everton v Liverpool, 1pm, 28 October, Sky Sports 1

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