Moyes lends support to Heitinga

2 February 2013 20:25

Everton manager David Moyes has urged the club's fans not to jeer defender Jonny Heitinga following Saturday's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa.

The hosts needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Marouane Fellaini to secure a draw against Paul Lambert's struggling side at Goodison Park.

Defender Heitinga had a tough time handling Christian Benteke, who scored twice, and was ultimately substituted on 65 minutes much to the delight of a section of the home support.

"I don't know who it was (directed at), it's fine. I'd rather they directed it at myself if that's the case, but we'll keep going and keep trying to get those victories," Moyes told reporters.

"We tried really hard and played really well today and we kept knocking on the door. They were a threat on the break, and we knew that."

Moyes also defended his substitutions, which did not go down well with the home crowd, insisting the changes were all with the intention of salvaging at least a point.

"I think they're not happy with my decisions. I think they were the same at Bolton as well, not happy with my decisions," he added.

"But, that happens. It happened against Bolton in the cup, then West Brom and Aston Villa. If you'd have given me three points in these games I might've taken them, but when you get into the position we were in you have to try and win.

"When we had three each in the last few minutes I think we had two chances to make it 4-3. We were a bit unlucky there.”

The Scot also praised the Villa attack after watching the visitors open the scoring in the second minute before adding two more in a much-improved display.

Villa counterpart Paul Lambert was left frustrated by Fellaini's added-time equaliser, which prevented his side from snapping their eight-match winless run.

"I thought we deserved to win the game," said Lambert.

"You are never going to get an easy game here but it is disappointing to only get a point.

"It is a really tough place to come and three points would have been great but I thought we played ever so well.

"I can't fault the way the lads played and there are not many teams that come up here and beat them.

"David (Moyes) has a really good side but if we continue to play like that hopefully we will start to get results."