Cup Win Confidence Boost

Spaniard wants more of the same on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta says Wednesday's win over Sheffield United has provided the Blues squad with a confidence boost.
 
The Spaniard made his first start of the campaign in the 3-1 Carling Cup win over the Blades, getting on the scoresheet in a game which Everton dominated.
 
Everton resume Premier League action at Blackburn on Saturday and after the opening day reverse against QPR Arteta is calling on the entire squad to capitalize on the positivity of midweek success.
 
"Hopefully this will increase our confidence and change the perspective," he said. "Blackburn always provide long balls, throw-ins and deep free kicks, but if we are strong defensively we can win it.
 
"Everyone seems to be really down and negative about the future of the Club right now, but we need to move away from that.
 
"We know what we've got in the changing room and if nobody else comes in to help us that's it, every one of us needs to give that little bit more to make up the difference against other teams."

The league remains Everton's primary focus and Arteta is keen for his side to eradicate the defensive lapses which have lead to goals being conceded in the last two games.
 
"It was important for us to get through in the cup after a disappointing result at the weekend," he continued.
 
"We played some good stuff, but conceded a sloppy goal again that can cost you points against teams in the Premier League - although we eventually won comfortably.
 
"Maybe it is the nerves but it happened against QPR as well. They didn't have many chances but we conceded a goal against them as well. Everything becomes more difficult when you fall behind - the crowd gets a bit anxious, we get a bit anxious, and it's hard to get back in the game to go and score two or three to win it.
 
"It's really important we get back to what we used to be good at which is being tight at the back and not conceding."