Everton have ended 2025 with a superb 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground to move into the top half of the Premier League table.
After consecutive losses to Chelsea and Arsenal before a disappointing draw against Burnley, Everton were under a bit of pressure to get a result in the East Midlands tonight.
David Moyes’ side certainly did just that and have now moved into eighth place, just a couple of points adrift of the Champions League spots.
Bet you weren’t expecting that when you saw the starting XI! 👏
Thierno Barry scored only his second goal of the season since joining in a £30m transfer from Villarreal, as he finished calmly past John Victor.
But, there was one Toffees star who completely stole the show, and supporters are in total agreement that he was the Man of the Match.
Everton fans blown away by James Garner vs Nottingham Forest
James Garner is enjoying a sensational season for the Toffees and is putting himself right in the mix for an England call-up.
Garner was back at his former club tonight and scored a brilliant right-footed strike in the first half to put the visitors ahead.
He then assisted Barry’s goal with a perfectly weighted pass, and by that point, Everton fans had made up their mind on the Man of the Match as they took to X.
“James Garner is unbelievable man,” @ConnorEFC18 posted.
@RichEvans104 commented: “This James Garner performance is as good as I have seen by any Everton player in a long long time.”
What did you make of James Garner’s performance? 😳
“James Garner might be the best player on earth,” @JackJolleyEFC added.
@robvscols said: “James Garner on another level again tonight.”
@EfcEnthusiast explained: “James Garner fully been our pots so far. Some player.”
“James Garner Ballon D’or,” @JackEFC95 simply said.
James Garner’s stats vs Nottingham Forest
Garner’s performance was probably one of the best on an individual basis for Everton all season, and the statistics back that notion up.
The 24-year-old wasn’t only involved in the two goals, but he also contributed defensively, winning a remarkable eight out of nine duels.
- 52 touches
- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 3 key passes
- 2 big chances created
- 8/9 duels won
- 14 defensive contributions
The former Manchester United midfielder also made three key passes, so he was perhaps quite unlucky to only get one assist.
Everton have been locked in talks to renew Garner’s contract, so he’s done no harm in leveraging his bargaining power with that performance.
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