Moyes defends his derby choices

EVERTON MANAGER David Moyes has no regrets over his controversial team selection for the Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool.

Everton were beaten 3-0 at Anfield on Tuesday night after Moyes, with an eye on today’s FA Cup quarter-final against Sunderland, made six changes to the side which beat Tottenham last week.

Victory over Sunderland, and the resulting semi-final trip to Wembley, might vindicate Moyes’s decision, but that has not stopped him attracting some criticism from fans who find losing to the neighbours difficult to stomach.

Moyes, who celebrated the 10th anniversary of his appointment this week, said: “It has been an important week. It was always going to be tough and that has proved to be the case. We have got a lot of players here and a good squad when they are fit.

“We chose to use them and give a few of them a game. We want them all to be fit and ready for the run-in, and obviously for the game tomorrow.” When asked if he had any regrets, Moyes said: “None whatsoever.”

The Liverpool loss halted Everton’s momentum after a nine-game unbeaten run. But Moyes said: “We have now moved on and are looking forward to the Sunderland game. It is a big game for us.

“We didn’t win in midweek but our performances prior to that were good and results were good.

“We will keep doing what we are doing.”

History is on Everton’s side today as Sunderland have not beaten his team at Goodison Park since he took charge. Everton have also won their last four home games against the Wearsiders, scoring 14 goals in the process.