Howard's Heroics Boost Moyes

Everton boss delighted by his keeper's efforts.

David Moyes praised Tim Howard following a virtuoso display from the keeper at Ewood Park.

The American made a string of superb saves, including stopping a Junior Hoilett penalty, as Everton left Blackburn with a narrow victory.

Mikel Arteta scored from the spot late on to snatch the points but Howard’s display proved crucial as he coped admirably under intense pressure throughout.

And Moyes said: “Tim Howard has got better at saving penalties. He has got a bit of belief in himself and today he has saved us.

“Last year he came here on the first day of the season and dropped a ball – today he has saved us and that will have done him the world of good.”

Howard’s save from Hoilett was the first of two missed spot kicks for the hosts – Mauro Formica fluffed the second – and Everton could have been well out of the contest by the time Arteta stepped up.

Moyes admitted he thought Leighton Baines might have taken the late kick, but had no problem with Arteta assuming responsibility.

He said: “It is never easy coming to Blackburn and they made it difficult for us today. They have lost a couple of their games so they were determined to get a result and they put us under a lot of pressure in the second half.

“It was nip and tuck in the first half, but in the second they put us under a lot more pressure– thankfully we withstood most of it.

“The fact that the players stuck to the task was probably the only positive to take for us, there wasn't much else.”

Moyes added: “When we got the penalty I thought Baines was going to take it. But when I saw Mikel walking up I had no problem with it. I have watched them both take penalties in training and if he is confident enough to take it then fine. If he had missed I might have had something to say!”