Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesDavid Moyes has Everton playing with an attacking mindset that will be on display this weekend versus Tottenham.

During his tenure, David Moyes has impressed many with a keen eye for a bargain and the transformation of Everton's fortunes. Under the shrewd management of the fiery Scot, the Toffees have switched from perennial strugglers to Top Eight regulars and a European push is looking increasingly likely this season. However, in spite of his impressive stewardship, a number of things continue to elude the Everton manager. Silverware is top of the list but Everton are also without an away win at a Top Four side under Moyes.

Everton have won at Manchester City on several occasions but they are new additions to the Top Four scene. The established Top Four, or the 'Sky Four' as they were often known, consisted of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. Throughout his time as Everton manager, Moyes has failed to win at any of those grounds (aside from a penalty shootout win at Chelsea).

In the early years of Moyes' reign, inferior players were a plausible reason for the continual failure to win at the home of the top sides. Nevertheless, as Everton improved and signed a higher calibre of player, a lack of ambition appeared more relevant than any quality differential. Thankfully, in recent matches, there are clear signs of a shift in Moyes' approach.

This season's title race is developing into a two-horse race between the Manchester clubs and games against those sides highlight recent improvements. Everton travelled to Old Trafford in May and the subsequent 4-4 draw helped derail Manchester United's title bid. The two sides met again on the opening day with Everton earning a 1-0 home win over the Red Devils. Not content with taking four points off United, Everton drew 1-1 at Manchester City on Saturday with Roberto Mancini visibly flustered by Everton's hold over his team.

While the results are improving, the performances are of greater importance in this instance and they show a change in the mindset of the manager and his players. Finally, the days of hoping to snatch a point appear gone and, if recent games are the barometer, Everton now approach these games with a greater belief in their ability.

For years, Everton used to turn up at Old Trafford and look beaten before a ball had even been kicked. The containment strategy rarely works with a moment of brilliance or a defensive error often opening the proverbial floodgates. In the 4-4 draw in May, Everton had nothing to play for and that may have resulted in the loosening of the defensive shackles. Whatever the reason, the attacking approach made for a welcome change.

Fortunately, in the subsequent matches against the Manchester sides, Everton proved the Old Trafford draw was the sign of change rather than a one-off. In the Goodison fixture on the opening day, Everton began with a greater purpose and this proactive approach reaped the rewards of victory against United.

Everton travelled to the Etihad on Saturday and left with a well-deserved share of the spoils. Although the victory proved elusive, Everton were the better side for the first half and few sides leave the Etihad with anything to show for their endeavours. Were it not for a dubious penalty, Moyes' men may well have left with all three points.

Showing far more attacking intent against the top sides, Everton need to use these performances as the benchmark for future matches; starting with Sunday's visit of Tottenham. With a fully fit team at his disposal, Moyes' men have the resources and firepower to match any side on their day. Evident by the more attacking approach this season, the shift towards more proactive tactics is a refreshing change.

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