Hayden Hackney On 'Special Night' After Bagging First Everton Goal
Hayden Hackney has opened up on scoring his first Everton goal after the Toffees beat Newcastle United 3-1 in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.
More Videos
James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry were all on the scoresheet at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the 3-1 win over Newcastle sending Everton into the quarter-finals.
It was a much-needed result. Everton went into the game on the back of two straight defeats, and while both came against strong sides, another loss would have put a real dent in the mood around the club.
Instead, David Moyes' side knocked out Premier League opposition in front of a loud home crowd.
Everton defeat Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.roundtable.ioEverton defeat Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton 3-1 Newcastle: Player Ratings As 5 Players Receive 8's
Hackney on a "special night"
Speaking to Everton's media after the game, Hackney admitted it was a special night for him personally, and said the squad knew how big the game was after the previous two results.
“I’m delighted with that. It was a special night. I think us as a team and the fans knew it was a big game. After losing the last two games – I know it was against good opposition – but I feel like that was a big moment tonight.
"I think it was an important night against Premier League opposition. The fans really helped. They were unbelievable.”
The atmosphere was a big talking point on the night, and it's clear the players noticed it. In fairness, beating a Premier League side and advancing into the quarter-finals is about as good a response to a bad run as Everton could have asked for.
Hackney explains his first Everton goal
The goal itself came from a run Hackney made, and it is a key reason why many have been calling for him to start. Barry played the ball across, and the midfielder arrived in the box to finish into the corner.
"I’m always working on arriving in the box at the right time. It was a great ball from Barry, and I managed to put it in the corner. It was a great feeling to get my first goal for this amazing club and hopefully there’s many more to come.”
It wasn't just the goal either. Hackney also set up Garner's strike, so he was directly involved in two of Everton's three goals. For a midfielder who has spent a lot of the season waiting for his chance, a goal and an assist is about as strong a statement as he could make.
Hackney pushing for a starting spot
Hackney joined Everton from Middlesbrough in the summer, but his starts have been sporadic so far. As we've mentioned before, there's a strong case for Moyes to give him a proper run in the side, and Thursday night only adds to that.
Hackney himself was honest about his situation, accepting that he can't complain about time on the bench given how well the team had been playing.
"I’ve had a bit of time on the bench. The lads have been playing really well, so I can’t complain. I kept working hard and hopefully, I took my chance tonight."
That's the right attitude to have, but the bedding-in process for new signings under Moyes can be slow. Whether this performance is enough to earn him a start on Monday remains to be seen, but he's made it very difficult to leave him out.
Fleetwood next in the quarter-finals
Everton's reward is an away trip to Fleetwood Town in the last eight. On paper, it's a kind draw, but Fleetwood knocked out Arsenal earlier this week, so it would be a mistake to treat it as one.
Hackney was quick to acknowledge that it won't be an easy game.
“We’re really excited. It won’t be an easy game – you’ve just seen them beat Arsenal, so we’re excited for that one."
Of course, Everton will go into the tie as favourites, and a place in the semi-finals would be a huge boost this season. If Hackney keeps performing like this, he'll expect to play a part in getting them there.