Everton ended 2025 with a superb 2-0 away win against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
David Moyes’ side currently sit in 9th in the Premier League table, which is a far cry away from where they were this time last year.
James Garner was the Man of the Match against Forest and was actually one of the more senior players on the pitch, quite remarkably.
What did you make of James Garner’s performance? 😳
Everton have several absentees at the moment and had to bring in some younger players, including Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl.
Garner actually indirectly sent a message to Dibling and Rohl after the game.
James Garner praises Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl
With Iliman Ndiaye away at AFCON, Dibling has come in to replace the Senegal international over the last couple of games.
Rohl has also replaced the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and speaking to Everton’s website after beating Forest, Garner appeared to praise the duo.
“There’s literally no room for excuses,” the former Manchester United midfielder explained.
“We all play for Everton for a reason, whether you’re a frequent starter or whether you’ve been on the bench for the start of the season. We’re all here for a reason, so the lads that come in today didn’t look out of place, which is a compliment to them.
“It’s massive going forward that these lads that haven’t played much are getting minutes in, and I’m hoping that they can help going into the second half of the season now.”
Garner will also have been referencing Nathan Patterson, too, as he made his first Premier League start of the season.
What should Everton do with Nathan Patterson in January after his display vs Forest? 👏
James Garner on his current Everton form
Garner also discussed his own tremendous form at the moment and admitted he’s performed similarly to how he did against Forest, but just didn’t get the credit because he didn’t score or assist.
“I think I’ve had a lot of similar performances, it’s just I’ve just not had a goal and assist to show for it,” the 24-year-old said.
“But I think today, I and the team defended so well, and the two moments that I had to put a little bit of quality in the game, I did so. I’m really happy about that.
Has this just become Everton’s best central defensive pairing? 👏
Dominant throughout the game against Forest
“I found myself in the box for my goal. I’m playing a little bit deeper this season, but I thought I’d seen the space and I knew where the goal was. I’ve just put my laces through it across goal.
“Then my assist, I was literally just praying as soon as I give it into his feet, I was like: ‘I’ve done all this work, you better put that ball in the back of the net,’ and he did so, so I’m really happy.”
Everton return to action on Sunday against Brentford, and Garner could actually line up alongside Harrison Armstrong in midfield.
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