Moyes hails character of players after Blues celebrate another away win

THE smile on David Moyes' face told the story. Standing in the tunnel at St James' Park, the Everton boss found himself reflecting on yet another away day victory.

- By CONNOR O'NEILL

"I think the result is maybe as good as we've had, because of the position we were in," he said with a smile.

"We couldn't really move up or down in the league table.

"I think it said more about the players who are playing for Everton, in terms of what they put in and the character they've got.

"Since I've come in, I can only tell you that the players have been brilliant - their effort, their commitment, their drive."

The Blues were 16th - one point clear of the relegation zone - with only three wins from 19 games when Moyes succeeded Sean Dyche in January.

During his 19 games in charge, Moyes has seen his side beat Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and then on Sunday, Newcastle United away from home.

In total, Everton finished the season with 48 points to their name, comfortably finishing 13th in the table and a huge 23 points clear of the drop zone. And three stats tell the story of transformation under Moyes.