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Gibson expecting thanks from United

Darron Gibson drills past Joe Hart © PA Photos

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Everton goal hero Darron Gibson said he expected to receive some messages of thanks from his former Manchester United team-mates after downing Premier League leaders Man City at Goodison Park.

Asked if he expected some texts from his former team-mates, he told Sky Sports: "Probably will have, I think they will be quite happy.''

Gibson admitted scoring the winner against City was a good way to open his Goodison Park account, saying: "A goal against any club is good, a goal against top of the league is great.''

Man of the match John Heitinga paid tribute to the Everton team spirit.

He said: "I think the team spirit today was terrific and we were fighting to the last minute. That's how you beat the big teams. I think we deserved to win today. We need to give the fans a little bit back because it's not been our best season so far.''

David Moyes, celebrating his 150th victory as a Premier League manager, said: "That might be one of the best I've had. I thought it was a brilliant effort and a great result for us. What an effort, it was a great result.''

Moyes was relieved to bring in striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers on transfer deadline day.

City manager Roberto Mancini admitted that he had underestimated Everton.

"I think maybe I thought it would be easier (to play Everton)," Mancini said. "My players put everything on the pitch but we played a bad game.''

The defeat left Mancini's side still as leaders but only on goal difference from rivals United who beat Stoke 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Mancini said: "We are on the top (of the table) but it's very important to win the next game from our point of view. We knew December and January were difficult months.''

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