Moyes Defends Grealish: 'He's Giving Us Something'

David Moyes and Jack Grealish

Everton manager David Moyes defends Jack Grealish from critics, citing his importance to the team. Grealish's renewed form a boost for Toffees.

“I have scored two goals now this season, one was a tackle and one was a deflection...”

David Moyes is coming to Jack Grealish's defense after the winger's winning goal against Bournemouth. Moyes insists Grealish hasn't been a disappointment at Everton, despite a recent dip in form. Grealish had impressed in his initial games for Everton after joining on loan from Manchester City in August.

Grealish's second goal of the season, a deflected shot, secured the 1-0 win for Everton. Moyes praised Grealish's performance, highlighting his importance to the team. “He's certainly giving us something,” Moyes said, adding that Grealish is “an important player for us and certainly helping us get better at Everton.”

Grealish himself is enjoying his time at Everton, crediting Moyes for his renewed enthusiasm. “I love the manager to pieces,” Grealish said. “He's been so good with me... He makes me want to go there and play for him.”

Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old who had a rough patch with Manchester City's Pep Guardiola last season, finally found his form with Everton. After scoring just once in his first 14 games, he netted the winner against Bournemouth, securing a 1-0 win for the Toffees.

Grealish's shot deflected off Bournemouth's Bafode Diakite, with Everton boss David Moyes joking that it could've been an own goal. The goal was a big boost for Everton, moving them up to ninth place in the league standings.

“I think the biggest thing for Jack is that he is getting plenty of game time at the moment. He is doing really well for us, whether it be assists or goalscoring,” Moyes said.

“He has had a few games where he could have been a little bit better but he's certainly giving us something.

“I actually think the supporters like him so much as well because of the way he goes about things and conducts himself.

“I want him to score more goals. I keep telling him, 'Your assists are good but I want more goals.'

“I just had a joke with him there saying I hope they don't class that as an own goal. But look, he is an important player for us and certainly helping us get better at Everton.”

Morning, Toffees! 💙 pic.twitter.com/MGd0QyKzzf

— Everton (@Everton) December 3, 2025

Jack Grealish had a decorated time at Manchester City, winning the Premier League and Champions League after joining from Aston Villa in 2021. However, his time at City was marked by inconsistent form, injury issues, and off-field controversies, including reports of late-night partying.

🗣️ Moyes on tonight's impressive win... pic.twitter.com/rWDRsmi2Mj

— Everton (@Everton) December 2, 2025

Despite the struggles, Grealish is thriving at Everton, thanks to his connection with manager David Moyes. “I love the manager to pieces,” Grealish said, crediting Moyes for his renewed enthusiasm. Moyes is also singing Grealish's praises, insisting he's not a disappointment at Everton, and is an important player for the team.

“I have scored two goals now this season, one was a tackle and one was a deflection, but I got hammered for years for not scoring so I am taking both of the goals. It's good to be contributing. It's a brilliant team,” Grealish said.

“I love the manager to pieces. I have only known him for a few months and I can't speak highly enough of him as a person and how he makes me feel.

“How he makes me want to go there and play for him, so credit to him.”

🗣️ David Moyes speaking about Jack Grealish in August:

"The biggest compliment I can pay to Jack is that he's even better than I thought he would be." pic.twitter.com/Z4SWVONF4U

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) December 3, 2025