---
title: "Moyes decision questioned after Everton summer signing overlooked against Chelsea"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/david-moyes-hayden-hackney-everton-chelsea-decision/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2026-10-19T13:13:05Z"
modified: "2026-10-19T13:13:06Z"
---

# Moyes decision questioned after Everton summer signing overlooked against Chelsea

**David Moyes’ decision to leave summer signing Hayden Hackney on the bench has come under scrutiny after** [**Everton**](https://readeverton.com/) **struggled to find a response during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.**

Everton suffered their first Premier League loss of the season after Pedro Neto scored twice in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Moyes’ side had competed well before the interval but fell behind within a minute of the restart and created little thereafter, with the manager admitting they “didn’t offer enough” going forward.

Moyes responded by introducing Tyrique George for Ainsley Maitland-Niles after 55 minutes, with Merlin Rohl dropping to right-back. Brennan Johnson and Christian Norgaard were then sent on with five minutes remaining, but Hackney was among six substitutes who remained unused.

## Hayden Hackney overlooked by Everton

Writing in [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/19/premier-league-10-talking-points-from-the-weekends-action), Everton correspondent Andy Hunter questioned the response after Neto’s opener and highlighted Moyes’ use of his bench, including the decision to turn to Norgaard rather than Hackney.

That decision is particularly notable given Everton’s investment in the 24-year-old during the summer. Hackney arrived from Middlesbrough in a deal that could reportedly rise to £25million after being named Championship Player of the Season, with Moyes saying at the time that he would provide greater competition in midfield.

Hackney has subsequently found regular Premier League starts difficult to come by, with James Garner, Harrison Armstrong and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall establishing themselves in Moyes’ midfield.

There is no guarantee his introduction would have altered Saturday’s outcome. Chelsea were increasingly comfortable after taking the lead, and Everton struggled collectively to create the chances required to force their way back into the contest.

But with Moyes searching for a response, leaving one of the club’s significant summer investments on the bench has provided another selection talking point before Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.

**For all the latest Everton news, analysis and updates, visit our** [**Everton news page**](https://readeverton.com/news/)**.**