The Goodison Park chief, who has now secured three European qualifications in four seasons, said: "We deserved it. We have been in the top five since new year, and our form has been coming back in recent games."

But Moyes accepts his side were sweating at one stage in the second half when they knew Aston Villa were winning at West Ham.

Newcastle had equalised with a Michael Owen penalty and another goal for the visitors could have sent Villa into Europe instead of Everton.

But, in the end Dean Ashton scored a late equaliser for West Ham, while Ayegbeni Yakubu struck his second and Joleon Lescott also scored to make sure of Everton's win.

Moyes said: "We finished on a good note, with a good performance. All we lacked in the first half was the finish to underline our superiority at that stage.

"But I don't feel that we showed any nerves. We passed the ball well, and produced a really, really good performance. There was character and confidence.

"I wanted to win, I wanted 65 points. In many other seasons, that would have got us into the Champions League. When we did achieve that a couple of years ago, we did it with 61 points.

"This is one of my most pleasing seasons at the club, but I always prefer to think that the most pleasing season is still to come."

Moyes also made it clear he expects fruitful talks about his new contract "in the next week or so".

He added: "I am totally relaxed about the situation. I am due for some talks maybe in a few days, maybe next week.

"Every manager tries to get as much money as he can, but this board have always backed me and I don't expect that to change.

"I am more interested now in preparing for next season, getting the lads back in July and I go into that campaign with great optimism."

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan declared he was "happy" with the club statement that followed his meeting in London on Friday with owner Mike Ashley.

He said: "A lot has been talked about over that, but I am more than happy with what has been said.

"Today is all about Everton. They are an inspiration to everyone. They do not have a massive squad, but they invested well last summer and they have taken fifth spot, which is a terrific situation to be in.

"They are together as a team, they play for each other. And they have a lot of very, very good players.

"They are the ones to look at. Maybe I wasn't quite right when I said that the top four is always the same, but nearly. But it must be said that if they (Everton) can do what they have done, why can't we?

"They are where we want to be. And in David Moyes they have an excellent manager.

"I was talking to (Everton owner) Bill Kenwright as we walked back down the tunnel after the game and he was obviously very proud.

"But I told him that we are after his club's position next season."