Aston Villa reaction was turning point - Everton boss David Moyes

"I think the biggest thing is the reaction since the Villa game," said the Everton manager. "We could have gone one way or the other after that, it could have affected us. But the players deserve a lot of credit for the way they've gone about it since then.

"The clean sheets have helped us because there have been some games when we've been really tight - like Manchester City, for example - and we've scored late on to win it. Sometimes you have to do that and it's pleasing we can do that."

Everton begin a pivotal run of fixtures by hosting Hull City on Saturday before a double-header at Anfield and a home match with Arsenal ahead of a trip to Manchester United on February 2.

Moyes's men have only won two games at Goodison this season and the manager is braced for a tough encounter against a Hull team that has already won at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this season.

"I think for a lot of people they have been (a surprise package)," said Moyes to evertonTV. "Phil Brown has done a really good job. He got them up through the play-offs and he's kept the momentum going. I know that can happen and he's certainly done it.

"Their away form is something we've got to be wary about. They won at the Emirates and have had some good results away from home. You can't take anything for granted. We're beginning to regain our form and we will try to get three points on the board. We always want to keep the level high and performance levels have been improving, so hopefully we'll win again."

Meanwhile, Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia has expressed his delight that he chose not to sign for Everton during the summer.

Moyes was keen on signing on the Cameroon international only for the deal to flounder when Mbia opted to stay in France.

The 22-year-old has claimed he is now a target for a number of teams, and said: "There are many big clubs after me now, so I am glad that I did not sign for Everton. I decided to stay here for the moment as my friends, such as Rigobert Song and Samuel Eto'o, told me not to be in a hurry.

"The Everton offer was the best on the table, and I almost signed for them, but I am fine here for now."

Mbia added: "If (Manchester) United or Arsenal come in for you, you have to listen. The same as if Real Madrid or Barcelona came in for you. You never know, but I do not regret not signing for Everton. I am happy at Rennes at the moment."

Everton's trip to Newcastle has been rescheduled for live TV and will now take place on Sunday, February 22 with a 4pm kick-off.

EVERTON have been allocated 6,000 tickets for the fourth round FA Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield. For more details see www.evertonfc.com