Everton have secured two potentially season-defining victories over Newcastle United in the space of five days, prompting questions about whether the team is better off without Jack Grealish, who remains sidelined with injury. David Moyes has said he does not know when Grealish will be available again, but the Blues have performed strongly in his absence.
Grealish's Season Disrupted by Injury
Grealish joined Everton after being made surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in June last year, becoming the club's marquee signing as they moved to the 52,769-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium. He started brightly, providing four assists in his first two starts and being named Premier League Player of the Month, as well as scoring the first stoppage-time winner at the new stadium against Crystal Palace.
However, his season was cut short in January when he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot during a 1-0 win at Aston Villa, ruling him out until August. Everton brought him back on transfer deadline day this year, but he has since let the club and supporters down with his latest misdemeanour.
Blues Impress Without Him
Without Grealish, Everton dominated their latest meeting with Newcastle United at St James' Park, with Tyrique George taking his usual spot on the left and providing the only goal of the game. The 1-0 win followed a similar result four nights earlier, with the team showing explosive pace down both flanks.
Moyes acknowledged in his post-match press conference that there is a way back for Grealish in the longer term. With a squad of just 18 outfield players, drastic measures are not an option, but the dynamics of the side have changed and Grealish no longer looks like the key man he once was.
