Tim: Jan Was Awesome

Goalkeeper says deputy Mucha was vital to Saturday's win.

Tim Howard has paid tribute to deputy Jan Mucha - describing the Slovakian's performance against Manchester City as 'awesome'.

Mucha made vital stops from Carlos Tevez, Pablo Zabaleta and James Milner as the Toffees held on for victory despite Steven Pienaar's 61st-minute dismissal.

Regular Everton stopper Howard is currently sidelined after breaking two bones in his back.

But the American was delighted to see the champions defeated at Goodison Park as rival Mucha turned in a faultless display.  

"He was awesome," said Howard. "He made the saves he had to make and came up big for us. Against a big team like City you have to do that. But also we went down to 10 men so he was called upon more often and he was fantastic.

"Victor Anichebe ran about like a mad man and really got stuck in, and we just defended resiliently. And, of course, we needed Jan at the back to keep it clean.

"It was an absolutely great performance but we'd expect nothing less. Last week we weren't happy [after the defeat against Wigan] but Saturday was just fantastic."