Blues bouncing to Mersey beat

IN his more private moments, David Moyes might allow himself a wry smile at the pundits slavering over Aston Villa’s attempt to break the Premier League’s established elite.

For the Scot, that is not such a novel notion. Everton broke the stranglehold themselves in 2005 and, for all Villa’s excellence this season, the Merseysiders look well placed to do so again this term.

Moyes’ side moved to within three points of the top four with this routine win, a result that means they have gone nine hours without conceding a goal in a six-match unbeaten run.