Moyes – Late lapse costly

Moyes: Rued late lapse after Everton kept United at bay for long periods

David Moyes was left to lament a late lapse as Everton slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Everton have a poor record against United in the Premier League era, but were proving stubborn opposition for the title favourites.

Though the Toffees only occasionally threatened going forward, Tim Howard was in fine form in goal while Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin impressed in central defence.

However, with United seemingly running out of ideas in the search for a goal, the breakthrough for the hosts arrived six minutes from time.

Antonio Valencia’s deflected cross looped towards the far post where Javier Hernandez was waiting to head home from a narrow angle.

Moyes was disappointed with the timing of United’s goal as the Everton boss was turning his thoughts to trying to win the game.

“We’ve come up against a really good Manchester United side and just at the end the lapse gives them that opportunity,” said Moyes.

“Today for long periods we held a really good team out, who look like they might be champions.

“I thought we’d just about weathered it and maybe we could see if we could try and get a goal, but that’s what happens when you open up.”