David Moyes Addresses Jack Grealish Disciplinary Issue at Everton

Everton manager David Moyes has now spoken out about the decision for Grealish to be left out the squad.

Grealish was left out of Everton's squad to face Newcastle on Thursday evening, with the club reporting that it was due to a disciplinary issue.

Moyes spoke to the media after the game, but he remained fairly tight-lipped on the Grealish situation. 

Speaking on the matter after the game, Moyes said:

"You probably know I'm not going to give any details. It's a club decision. I support the decision, but it's a club decision. It's something that I don't want to speak too much about. The club are the people you should go to."

Moyes also spoke on Everton midfielder Hayden Hackney, who produced a strong performance, particularly in front of goal. 

Moyes was impressed with some of the bits on display from Hackney, but there was other moments when he wasn't at the level he expected.

"I thought there was bits of his game, very good. Getting the goal was great, and there were other parts I didn't think were where it was. I see this as a bit of a chance to bring in Championship players and get them used to the Premier League.

"A couple of times, he got caught with the ball. I really enjoyed the bits where it gave us a bit of attacking play again in the box, and obviously getting the goal was really good. Really good assist from Thierno Barry as well, to be fair."

Speaking on the game itself, Moyes admitted it was a tough one, with Newcastle having moments. The Everton boss admitted that the Premier League is a little like this at the moment, with games being quite close.

"Look, I thought it was a tough game. I thought Newcastle had moments in the game, but I think the Premier League is a bit like this at the moment. The games are quite close – you could be defending for 20 minutes and then you might have a better 20 minutes. I think the games are very tight. 

"Obviously we got goals at good times. Certainly the third goal killed the game off at a time when Newcastle were probably better, at the start of the second half."

"But look, really pleased to get through. When you talk about cup games you can talk about how you play, what you would like to do, what you want to do better. But ultimately the only thing that really matters is getting the result if you want to get through. And we wanted to get through."

Moyes discussed Everton reaching the quarter-finals of the competition, with Fleetwood standing in their way next. The Everton manager admits they have to be respected, considering they beat Premier League champions Arsenal.

"I think the minute you use the words "quarter-finals", you start to think, hey, this is getting quite nice. It sounds quite good. So I have to say we're pleased to have got to that stage of the competition. If we can keep it going, great.

"I said in my programme notes tonight that you start now to play the big boys. Obviously Fleetwood beat one of the biggest, if not the biggest, teams, so we have to respect them when it comes to that game. But overall, I think trying to beat Newcastle tonight was a big task and we've done well."

Moyes also spoke about Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who bagged an assist against the Magpies, with Thierno Barry finishing well. 

The Scotsman said that it was a great third goal for Everton, praising Barry.

"Thierno's composed finish was very good. It was a good goal, a good third goal for us. Kiernan overall, he's been up and down a little bit, but in the main he's always above 50%. always doing well for us and always a threat. His goals last year were hugely important to us, so we hope he can continue to add a few more."

Moyes admitted that Dewsbury-Hall has been a bit up and down of late, which is fair to say. Despite that, he looked back to his best against Newcastle and played a crucial role both defensively and offensively.