So David Moyes is not such a bad manager after all.

The Scot, hounded out of Manchester United last season, joined Real Sociedad in November, his professional credentials criticized by just about everyone who could make themselves heard. Six days ago, the Basque club beat Barcelona 1-0 — not a bad scalp — while his former club, Everton, is struggling in the Premier League.

Under Moyes, Everton was competitive, consistently punching above its weight given the budget restrictions he had to work under. Its football was pragmatic, based on a solid defensive unit and midfield graft.