David Moyes hails Everton unity after Grealish omission in Newcastle win

Grealish was left out of Thursday's tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium after missing a training session, with the club taking disciplinary action.

However, his absence did not affect Everton's performance as James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry all found the net to secure an impressive victory.

Moyes was reluctant to discuss the circumstances surrounding Grealish's omission, describing it as a club matter. Instead, he focused on the attitude shown by the players who took part.

Asked whether he was pleased with the squad's professionalism despite the potential distraction, the Everton manager highlighted the importance of the club's values.

"I think the one thing about Everton and what they've got is they've got really good values behind it," Moyes said.

"All the players stand up to the values, accept the values Everton put out there, what we want from them on the pitch and off the pitch, and from that point of view, I think the players done a brilliant job tonight."

Moyes also acknowledged the challenges of working with a relatively small squad but insisted Everton would continue to compete.

"It's a smallish squad we've got, and we're limited in some areas. But we're doing our best to try and keep challenging," he added.

The victory sends Everton into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and provides a confidence boost ahead of their return to Premier League action.

They face Newcastle again on Monday, this time at St James' Park, with Moyes hoping his players can maintain the same commitment and team spirit.