Jack Grealish answered a number of doubters on Tuesday evening as his goal secured Everton a rare away win against Bournemouth.
It was 40 years ago since the last time Everton took three points from a trip down at Bournemouth, but the Blues managed just that on Tuesday.
David Moyes needed a performance like that to put to bed the torrid display from his side against Newcastle United.
Everton fans will have loved Grealish’s celebration kissing the badge after his deflected effort wrapped up the points.
This was only Grealish’s second goal of the Premier League season, but it proved yet another vital one for the Toffees.
However, the Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola could not help himself after the game in his assessment of the Everton match-winner.
Bournemouth v Everton - Premier League
Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images
What Andoni Iraola said about Everton’s Jack Grealish
Alan Shearer has backed Grealish to score more goals for Everton, with the winger still searching for a return to the England squad ahead of next summer.
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But not everyone was left so impressed by the 30-year-old’s performance on Tuesday evening.
WHAT A WIN! Who was your Everton Man of the Match of the Match vs Bournemouth? 🔥
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Speaking to the media after the game, the Bournemouth manager claimed his side were able to keep Grealish quiet out on the left wing.
“I think we have defended really well. It think Alex [Jimenez] has done a really good job with him [Grealish] but this can’t happen,” said Iraola.
“They have quality players that can make the difference. Yes there is the deflection but we maybe have to look before.”
Moyes was full of praise for Grealish after the game, with the 30-year-old answering the demand for a goal that was made last week.
More is going to be needed over the coming weeks, though, with a difficult run ahead which will require all of Grealish’s experience.
Jack Grealish’s performance vs Bournemouth in numbers
Even Grealish’s father has urged him to shoot more having only found the back of the net once before Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old was constantly trying to provide Bournemouth with issues as he interchanged between sticking out wide and coming inside.
What did you make of Grealish’s performance tonight?
Bit of a fortunate goal but we’ll take it!
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Grealish eventually unlocked the Bournemouth defence, with a little bit of fortune, to be the hero for those travelling fans.
90 minutes played
1 goal
3x fouled
6 recoveries
3/5 ground duels won
Iraola may not have been wowed by Grealish, but his numbers speak volumes as Bournemouth conceded three fouls against the Everton winger.
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