Moyes rues blunt Toffees

Everton boss accepts his side lacked bite in attack

Last updated: 30th March 2008

Football Premier League Liverpool Everton Rafa Benitez David Moyes

Moyes: Laments loss

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David Moyes lamented a lack of thrust in the final third but refused to give up on fourth spot following Everton's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Everton arrived at Anfield trailing their Merseyside rivals by just two points but their performance rarely raised itself above one of lethargy as Liverpool eased to victory.

Moyes was considerably hamstrung in having only Yakubu Aiyegbeni as an option in attack; with a bench that included two left-backs indicative of a threadbare squad.

And it is a situation Moyes accepts hindered his side: "We lacked penetration when we got into good positions around the penalty area but we handed Liverpool an early advantage.

Yak to blame

"We gave them the first goal which is a disappointing start and Yakubu has to take responsibility for giving the ball away, but I am also concerned that we didn't pick up Torres.

"But I thought we played well in the second half and responded well.

"Unfortunately we've had a few injuries at the business end of the season. We're not running out of steam - it's more a case of not having enough bodies."

While Liverpool now appear odds-on to hold onto the final UEFA Champions League spot in fourth, Moyes is refusing to accept the race is already over.

"There are still games to be played so it doesn't change things for us," he added. "We're still positive about the rest of the season. Five points is a big gap but we won't be giving up."