With David Moyes, it is difficult to tell whether his glass is half-full or half-empty. Such is the deadpan delivery of the Everton manager, with the occasional glint of Sahara-dry humour, who knows what is on the Scot’s mind?
Again, after the 1-0 win over AEK Athens in a monsoon of biblical proportions in the Greek capital on Wednesday night, regular observers of Moyes might have been confused. Just what was it that he considered the most notable event of the evening?
Was he more satisfied with a place in the last 32 of the Europa League or was it the stoic displays of his latest crop of talented youngsters? Or was he doom-laden because another three players had been added to the club’s already shattering casualty list?
Perhaps, most of all, it was the emergence of the young bloods.
Shane Duffy, 17, made his first-team debut in central defence after the early departure of Sylvain Distin and did not look out of place alongside Tony Hibbert, another emergency centre back.
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Jose Baxter, 17, continued to earn positive if not rave reviews — not just yet — while Seamus Coleman, 21, also filled in admirably at right back, after the hasty exit of Dan Gosling, on only his second senior appearance. In trying circumstances, the Everton kids did well.
Premature elevation and celebration of youth can be dangerous but Moyes, in his usual laconic manner, was content and cautious. “I’m pleased with how the young boys who came on did,” he said. “It’s great experience for them. One or two are maybe stepping up a bit soon but it’s needs must at the moment.”
Needs must indeed. A quick glance at the Goodison Park treatment room reveals a list of mostly stellar performers — Phil Neville, Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell, Victor Anichebe, Mikel Arteta and James Vaughan. The spine of the team is on sick leave.
Gosling and Distin were added to the sad roll call, with hamstring problems, at the sodden Olympic Stadium and Jô, the striker, suffered a knee injury as the stretcher bearers and buggy drivers worked overtime. Stringent fitness tests will be required to determine their availability for the Barclays Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Tim Cahill has been around the block several times and seen a few up-and-comers arrive on the scene. Like Moyes, the Australia forward is encouraged. “We have to pull together,” he said. “Seeing Dan going off and then Sylvain and then Jô, you are saying to yourself, ‘What are we going to do?’
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“But this is when the youngsters need to step up. Duffy came on and took a touch and they nicked the ball off him. But he learnt very quickly to clear the ball and to be a bit more composed. The way Seamus dealt with Juanfran coming down the left was impressive and Jose did well as well. I am very proud of them.”
Few sides could have coped with such collective devastation to their squad; victory in Athens was only Everton’s second in 12 matches in all competitions. That they kept a clean sheet for the first time in 13 games also spoke volumes for their all-for-one and one-for-all mentality.
Defining moments are two a penny in football but Moyes believes that defeating AEK could inspire his team to greater deeds domestically. “I can ask the question, ‘Is this our moment?’ ” he said. “Honestly, I don’t know.
“What I do know is the players look as though they are regaining a bit of confidence and are playing much better. There is a great spirit at Everton and that won’t ever go away. The players are showing that to everyone.”