Everton manager David Moyes lavished praise on match-winner Jack Grealish after the on-loan midfielder ended the Toffees' long wait for a victory at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium.
Grealish Strike Breaks Bournemouth Hoodoo
The decisive moment in a largely uneventful Premier League clash on the south coast came in the second half. Jack Grealish's goal-bound effort from the left flank took a crucial deflection off Bournemouth defender Bafode Diakite, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and settling the contest. This goal secured Everton's first victory at the venue since February 2016, finally ending a frustrating eight-year hoodoo.
Moyes Lauds 'Top Footballer' Grealish
Post-match, a delighted David Moyes was effusive in his praise for the goalscorer, who has quickly become a fan favourite since his loan move from Manchester City. "Everton supporters love Jack, he's really given the club something different," Moyes stated. He was keen to emphasise the player's substance over style, adding: "I don't want to call him an entertainer, I want to call him a top footballer – somebody who can create and score goals. I know he's passionate, he's not one to come off after sixty minutes. He's not showboating, he goes about his job."
Moyes acknowledged the fortune involved in the winning goal but highlighted Grealish's intent: "His shot tonight was on target, he gets a bit fortunate with the deflection. I want him to get a bundle of goals as well."
Grealish Revels in Everton Fan Connection
The midfielder himself was quick to credit the Everton supporters for their role. Speaking to Sky Sports, Grealish said he felt "lucky" to be playing in front of another "great fan base." He reflected on his career, noting strong connections at previous clubs like Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Grealish revealed that even goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had told him it was his "worst game" before he scored the winner. "They were singing my name before the goal and I felt like they wanted a bit more from me and I gave it to them," he added, underscoring the mutual appreciation between player and fans.
The match itself offered few clear-cut chances. Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo tested Jordan Pickford in the first half, while a defensive mix-up saw Alex Scott head onto his own crossbar. The home side's frustration boiled over late on when substitute Marcus Tavernier was seen gesticulating to the crowd, an incident that disappointed manager Andoni Iraola, who urged his player to focus on the pitch.
Ultimately, the day belonged to Everton, Grealish, and their travelling supporters, as a slice of luck and a determined performance secured three valuable points and banished a long-standing away-day curse.
