Why this break is well-deserved in more ways than one

EVERTON signed off with another win before an international break and no-one is in any doubt over the value those three points will hold over the coming fortnight.

- By JOE THOMAS

With the trip to Manchester United having been moved to a Monday night, there will be plenty of time to stew over the lessons of the past few weeks. Had they not beaten Fulham then the atmosphere around the club - whether or not it was justified - would have been one of frustration and restlessness.

Instead, David Moyes and his players provided a welcome jolt of confidence that will make the self-reflection of this quiet period much easier.

The Blues boss recognised that himself on Saturday evening as he processed a first victory in more than a month. That last victory, against Crystal Palace, also came on the eve of an international break - meaning that with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of August, Everton have handed supporters a nod of reassurance ahead of every halt in the domestic campaign.

“I think we've signed off on all the international breaks with wins,” Moyes said after the 2-0 success. “Today was a really good win for us.”