Everton boss Moyes backs 'club decision' to drop Grealish for Newcastle tie

Everton manager David Moyes commended the club's decision to exclude Jack Grealish from the team for their League Cup match against Newcastle, stating he supported the choice. Grealish reportedly missed Everton's training session prior to the match and was left out of the squad at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The on-loan Manchester City player had also missed a Premier League game against Arsenal due to illness.

Moyes declined to provide further details on Grealish's absence but acknowledged the club's decision was their own. He expressed frustration with Grealish, who has faced criticism for his off-field behavior, and praised his players for rising above the controversy. Moyes highlighted the values Everton upholds, both on and off the pitch, and credited his team for their strong performance, including goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney, and Thierno Barry, with Dan Burn scoring a late goal for Newcastle.

With their win, Everton advanced to the quarter-finals, facing fourth-tier minnows Fleetwood in December. Moyes expressed optimism about the team's chances in the competition, noting it would be their first major trophy win since the 1995 FA Cup.