Hayden Hackney scored his first Everton goal and added an assist as the Toffees beat Newcastle United 3-1 in the League Cup on Thursday night, setting up a Premier League rematch at St James' Park on Monday.
Everton took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to goals from James Garner and Hackney, with Thierno Barry adding a third 20 minutes from time. Dan Burn headed a consolation for Newcastle in the dying minutes.
Hackney's Influence
Hackney, who has not started a Premier League game since August, was heavily involved in the first half, providing the assist for Garner's opener after Tyrique George forced a mistake from Newcastle right-back Amar Dedic. He then scored himself with a deftly-placed volley just before half-time.
The 24-year-old made only seven touches fewer than Garner despite being substituted after 65 minutes. His presence allowed James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to rotate more fluidly than they have with Harrison Armstrong in the league.
Dewsbury-Hall, voted fans' Player of the Match, received the ball in deeper areas but still made runs in behind, setting up Barry's goal with a through ball from Garner.
Pickford's Long Balls
Jordan Pickford played a key role in both first-half goals, starting each with a long punt upfield. He attempted 27 long passes against Newcastle, following 25 against Arsenal, both sides in the bottom half of the Premier League for possessions won in the final third per 90.
Barry, who wins more aerial duels per 90 than 94% of other Premier League strikers and has clocked a top speed of 35.5km/h, benefits from long balls into him. However, his headed conversion rate of 7.1% is below his overall rate of 11.1%, suggesting he is more effective with the ball at his feet.
Moyes was cautious in his assessment of Hackney's performance. "I thought there were bits of his game that were very good," he said. "Getting a goal was great."
Selection Dilemmas
Hackney finished with six fouls, at least double any other player, despite spending the final half hour on the bench. Moyes may weigh this against him when selecting the team for Monday.
Brennan Johnson has started five of the last six Premier League games, but Tyler Dibling impressed against Newcastle, making more touches than Johnson has in any of his 11 appearances. Jack Grealish, fined and dropped after an unauthorised absence from training, could also return for the match.
The win, Everton's first in four in all competitions, gives Moyes several options to consider ahead of the rematch.
