David Moyes casts a spell on Goodison

Certainly reads better than the last similar article.

But there's definitely change. It was even there to see against a good Villa side, unless you were desperate not to see it. There were some tweaks, but the key change was a manager asking players to contribute to the game.

I'm interested to see what Moyes can bring. I do think he's the right man for the rest of this season at least. Possibly next season too.

But his greatest appeal at the moment is that he's not the last guy. And I'll continue to maintain that the last guy was the worst manager I've seen.

You might well be correct in that assessment, but does anyone really think Dyche would have had us playing the home games against Spurs and Leicester actually on the front foot?

If Dyche had still been in charge I have zero doubt that we would have made Tottenham look considerably better than they are at present and probably allowed Leicester to dictate the majority of possession.

I agree we all need to keep calm and don't get too carried away, although one thing I'll say now, people who still think Everton are in a relegation battle need to go and give their head a wobble, we ought to be looking at catching those directly above us now.

It might be an unpopular point of view, but I think he should prioritise the FA Cup game for that very reason.

Bournemouth will be a much stiffer test, than Spurs or Leicester but not an impossible one. Plus we owe them one from the Premiership fixture, which was more down to poor game management from Dyche than anything else. Hope to see Alcaraz too, either from the start, or for a significant sub's role.

Having said that, I’d had my fill of Dyche. Long may our current form continue!

Follow Oliver Cromwell's reputed advice addressing the army while scratching his gonads - "Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry!"

Playing the shite next aren't we?

Also, slightly off topic. I recently read that David Moyes qualified as a coach when he was 22 years old whilst still playing.

Of course none of that is Moyes's fault. his teams were fired and positive enough to exploit the weaknesses, But I'll wait until we are met with sterner opposition before I think we have improved dramatically.

Its all very brave to say we would not have won against these very weak teams if Dyche was still in charge, safe in the knowledge that it can never be proven. I expected us to have beaten both. Although I don't for one minute think we would have beaten them so destructively.

So far so good, but I had looked long and hard at the sides below us and have long since been convinced that we were never going down this season. Said so enough times.

I'm in the credit-where-its-due camp. I made up with Moyes. Made up with Beto and Doucourie, Heaven knows they needed those goals. I`m also made up that I am sleeping soundly 5-6 weeks ahead of my imagined schedule. but it'll take a lot more to make me think our boy Davey has the good times rolling.

Very big week coming up and I would rather we focus on that than start be involved in any premature coronation ceremony.

I would love to see us have a good go at the cup.

Do we know if Alcaraz might debut?

Does Moyes pick Beto, as he's now the only centre forward left standing? Not an easy decision, I think I'd stick Keane up front, he must be wanting an appearance.

Would winning the Cup - not likely is it, unless we get very lucky - and get relegated be worth it?

Not for me, although I think we will stay up comfortably with Moyes now in charge, even with a run in the cup!

They are are good team yes, but even under Dyche, we should have beaten them at home, and would have done if Moyes was manager, as his in-game management is much better.

Also, when we played them away while still under Dyche, they only won to a very, very well struck volley (half-volley?) after a collective defensive lapse!

Personally, I think with us being at home, and the Old Lady rocking (possibly the last home FA Cup tie to be played there) with a new sense of confidence and belief in the players; not to mention Bournemouth's injury list, will be enough to beat the Cherries this time.

What's the old saying, "Third time's a charm!"

Well c'mon get onboard the Cup train and worry, if that is the right word, about the Derby later...

COYB OTRTW

And I hope Moyes comes with bayonets fixed next Wednesday, not with his Swiss Army knife. They don't like it up 'em you know Davey.

There is a 22min long Blue Room special Podcast with Phil Vickery on Charly; well worth a listen.

I'd expect the same line up as against the Foxes, with Alcaraz to come on for one of Doucoure or Garner at some stage.

You don't fix what isn't broke as our US cousins have taught us...

I do hear you, but I just think that bottom 3 look absolutely bereft of quality.

I can't honestly see any of Ipswich, Leicester, Southampton getting anywhere near 33 points as a tally.

We are already on what is it, 26?

Impossible to not see us getting 9 more points at Goodison be it through wins or draw and at least 4 points on the road at least.

I see absolutely zero chance of relegation this season, thankfully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDdHwRLKIYc

Nice opportunistic header at 2:18 on the video.

There's a risk of injury too - but so be it. Any rested players could just as easily get injured in training

It doesn't speak for everyone, who have a number of reasons for their feelings to our former, now current manager.

Yes, a great start, that has lifted the gloom, but we're not there yet. I feel confident we will get there.

Jonathan @11, I hope we take both seriously. A cup run can build confidence and momentum and the final Derby is symbolic. The manage said he gets the club and supporters, so he should know what that means to us.