David Moyes has insisted that Jack Grealish has not been a disappointment for Everton, following the winger’s second goal of the season, which secured a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Grealish had shown promise in his opening games for Everton after joining on loan from Manchester City in August, but his form had dipped in recent weeks. The 30-year-old, who had fallen out of favour with City boss Pep Guardiola last season, had scored just once in his first 14 appearances for the Toffees before netting the decisive goal against Bournemouth.

His strike came in the 78th minute with a deflected effort that Moyes humorously suggested could have been credited as an own goal for Bournemouth’s Bafode Diakite.

“I think the biggest thing for Jack is that he is getting plenty of game time at the moment. He is doing really well for us, whether it be assists or goalscoring,” Moyes said.

“He has had a few games where he could have been a little bit better, but he’s certainly giving us something. I actually think the supporters like him so much as well because of the way he goes about things and conducts himself.

“I want him to score more goals. I keep telling him, ‘Your assists are good, but I want more goals.’ I just had a joke with him there, saying I hope they don’t class that as an own goal. But look, he is an important player for us and certainly helping us get better at Everton.”

Grealish, who won both the Premier League and Champions League with City after moving from Aston Villa in 2021, struggled to maintain that form due to injuries and off-field distractions.

Despite some inconsistencies, the England international says he is enjoying his loan spell at Everton, largely due to his strong relationship with Moyes.

“I have scored two goals now this season—one from a tackle and one a deflection—but I got hammered for years for not scoring, so I’m taking both of the goals. It’s good to be contributing. It’s a brilliant team,” Grealish said.

“I love the manager to pieces. I have only known him for a few months, and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person and how he makes me feel. How he makes me want to go there and play for him—credit to him.”