Everton were able to return to winning ways with three big points on the road against Nottingham Forest.
A first half goal from James Garner and a second for Thierno Barry sealed the points for the Blues as they secured their first win since last playing Sean Dyche’s side.
It could not have been a worse start to the evening for Everton fans after seeing the team news.
Everton were without Michael Keane and Charly Alcaraz through two fresh injury blows for David Moyes to now deal with.
However, a hearty performance from the Toffees ended the year with a massive victory for Everton to maintain their spot in the top half of the table.
How can you pick JUST one player as your MOTM vs Forest? 🤯
What a brilliant performance from the Toffees!
Jordan Pickford – 7
Did not have a lot to do, but dealt with everything as he usually does.
Nathan Patterson – 6
It will have shocked a lot of Everton fans to see Nathan Patterson start for the first time this season, but he was solid enough at right-back.
Bet you weren’t expecting that when you saw the starting XI! 👏
James Tarkowski – 8
An absolute brick wall at the back for Everton, James Tarkowski stopped just about everything that came his way.
Jake O’Brien – 8
Filling in for the injured Keane, there were no issues for Jake O’Brien playing in his natural centre-back role.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7
A mix-up between Vitaliy Mykolenko and O’Brien did almost cost Everton, but Igor Jesus fired his effort wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal.
Otherwise was solid at the back and dealt with numerous in-swinging crosses.
James Garner – 9
Quality players steps up when they are needed and Garner did exactly that. What a finish from the midfielder!
How about that assist? Is there anything this man cannot do?
Everton are in contract talks with Garner and they simply have to secure his future on Merseyside. It’s claimed there is a disagreement in salary expectations – the Friedkins must pay him!
Tim Iroegbunam – 8
An industrious display from Tim Iroegbunam who is very quickly looking like a key part to Moyes’ midfield at Everton.
Tyler Dibling – 7
Looked a threat when on the ball, but had so much more to do with Patterson coming up against Callum Hudson-Odoi at the other end of the pitch.
Merlin Rohl – 7
A solid evening for Rohl. Nothing spectacular but he did what was needed and even slotted in at right-back for the final 20 minutes.
Dwight McNeil – 8
Garner’s finish was sublime, but what about that pass from Dwight McNeil! Simply sensational from the Everton outcast.
Thierno Barry – 8
Can he play against Forest every week? Thierno Barry doubled his tally for the season with his second goal of the season against Dyche’s men.
A thankless task up top was rewarded with his second goal of the term.
Substitutes
Jack Grealish – 6
Despite still being ill, Jack Grealish was called upon by Moyes and instantly showed his quality by creating an opportunity for McNeil.
Beto – N/A
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