Brennan Johnson scored his first Everton goal and helped set up Thierno Barry's hat-trick as the Blues cruised to a 4-0 Carabao Cup victory at Preston North End. The win set up a third-round tie against Wolves at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Johnson makes instant impact off the bench
Johnson entered the field after 64 minutes and quickly made his mark, assisting Barry before scoring himself with a smart finish after collecting the striker's pass. The Wales international had already impressed off the bench against his former club Crystal Palace on Saturday, and his display here has led to suggestions he is pushing for a start.
When Everton's interest in Johnson first emerged, many expected Jack Grealish to be the wide player the club would bring in this summer after Tyrique George. Instead, Johnson arrived, and supporters were perhaps sceptical about the deal. But on the day Sunderland registered their interest in Grealish, Johnson had a say in this game.
Grealish speculation continues
Talk about the £100m Manchester City man returning to the Blues will continue until his future is resolved over the next six days. However, after this performance, questions emerge about where Grealish might fit in. Moyes now has four wide players to choose from, and this is not meant to be disrespectful to Grealish, who is an exceptional player.
Garner's return creates midfield dilemma
James Garner was back in the starting line-up after his summer operation, lasting 64 minutes at Deepdale. His return was a surprise, as some expected him not to feature for a number of weeks. His performance has left Moyes with a selection headache ahead of Saturday's match at Bournemouth.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Harrison Armstrong are undroppable right now, while Hayden Hackney, missing with a minor knock, was brilliant against Crystal Palace at the weekend. Moyes has four midfielders competing for three positions, and that is even before Christian Norgaard returns.
O'Brien speculation set to grow
Jake O'Brien was not involved against Preston, with Michael Keane starting in place of the rested Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl keeping his place on the right of the defence. The news that the Blues would listen to offers for O'Brien ahead of the transfer window shutting next week drew a disappointed reaction from fans.
Moyes played down not using the defender in his post-match press conference, insisting he will get game time soon. But transfer speculation involving O'Brien is now only going to grow between now and the window closing on Tuesday.
