Grayson: Team selected with ‘one eye on the weekend’

EVERTON’S superior squad proved decisive as Sunderland exited the Carabao Cup, with Black Cats boss Simon Grayson admitting he picked a side with ‘one eye on the weekend’.

The Wearsiders were beaten 3-0 at Goodison Park, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring twice and sub Oumar Niasse adding the third, as Everton earned a fourth round date with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“Tonight was always going to be difficult with the team we put out – we certainly had one eye on the weekend,” said Grayson.

“That’s the difference, Premier League sides can make changes because of the strength in depth and the players that they have.

“I think Everton were very respectful with the team that they put out, and who they had on the bench in case anything went wrong for them.

“We know we could have done better, but we are very low on numbers due to injuries, with the lads who aren’t available, and with one eye on the weekend.

“I thought there were some OK performances. I thought Darron Gibson did OK on the ball, we were better when Williams and McManaman came on, but it was that balance of keeping them fresh for the weekend because of the schedule we have got with playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday again next week.

“Marc Wilson wasn’t available due to a groin problem. He trained yesterday and it just tightened up so we left him out as a precaution, but hopefully he will be back on Saturday and one or two others might be too.”