NO SOONER DID media outlets across he world anoint David Moyes the heir apparent, once Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson steps down, than the Everton manager’s questionable away record came into focus.

Sky Sports displayed a graphic of Moyes’ record, as Everton manager, against the sides that primarily made up the Premier League ‘top four’ over the past decade:

Written in the stats. (Credit: Sky Sports)

The graphic omits defeats, 4-3 to Arsenal and 3-0 to Chelsea, that Moyes suffered in his first season as Toffees boss. The Scot took over at Goodison Park in March 2002.

The most galling of the away losses came against Arsenal, at Highbuty, on 11 May 2005. The Gunners thrashed Everton 7-0 with Robert Pires, Denis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie – now at Manchester United – among the goalscorers.

Moyes’ record away to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur is slightly better. He has overseen five victories away to City and three at Spurs’ home ground of White Hart Lane.

Robin van Persie celebrates after scoring past Everton’s Richard Wright in 2005. (Matthew Ashton/EMPICS Sport)

Moyes’ away league record against top PL sides:

Arsenal – P: 12 w: 0 D:3 L:9 (Goals For): 10 (Goals Against): 27

Man Utd – P: 11 W: 0 D: 3 L:9 GF: 8 GA: 23

Chelsea – P: 11 W: 0 D: 6 L: 5 GF: 8 GA: 20

Liverpool – P: 11 W: 0 D: 6 L: 5 GF: 5 GA: 13

Man City – P: 11 W: 5 D: 1 L: 5 GF: 12 GA: 16

Spurs – P: 11 W: 3 D: 2 L: 6 GF: 15 GA: 22

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