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So Moyes was delighted to break that run of nine games without a win and said: "I'm really pleased we got the three points because they were an important three points.
"We probably played better here against Birmingham and we probably played better against Sunderland. I did think we were excellent in the first half especially and created plenty of opportunities but at this moment in time the final pass, the final ball, the finish isn't there.
"Getting a clean sheet was nice too though. We've not had many this year and we've not always looked capable of doing that."
Owen Coyle looked in angry mood at the final whistle as he confronted the appalling Howard Webb, but his complaints were over the first goal which he wrongly believed to be offside.
"There is no doubt Yakubu is offside," said Coyle as he spoke to the media after the game. "Everton are a good side and they created chances, but when the shot goes in there's no doubt that he is influencing the situation.
"My goalkeeper can't see anything because Yakubu is stood in front of him. I am not suggesting it would not have gone in, but Brian can't see it and that means their player is clearly influencing play.
"The referee can't see that and he needs help from his assistant that wasn't forthcoming. The game is played at such a pace and surely the referee has to be guided by his linesmen. That's what he's there for and we have come off the back of a wrong decision, so I'm disappointed and frustrated because I felt we were terrific today.
"We passed the ball well and worked our socks off collectively 11 v 11. We were in the ascendancy in the second half and they went down to ten men when Stephen [Jordan] picks up a second booking.
"He has left the referee no option and he has to do better in that situation. But we looked comfortable with 10 against 11 and I feel aggrieved with that goal, which changes the game.
"I thought we showed hunger and desire today and it's even more frustrating. It adds fuel to those pointing at our away record, but if we continue to play like that there's no doubt we will pick up points away from home.
"To all intents and purposes I though we would see the game out, but we will take all the positives. I can't fault the players for endeavour, courage and quality.
"We ended up playing 35 minutes with ten men and still looked accomplished, so there's plenty to take away because there is no way we were deserving of leaving here with no points."