Everton defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground with goals from James Garner and Thierno Barry.
James Garner was Everton’s Man of the Match as he put in yet another outstanding all-action midfield display.
Garner scored the opener with a low-driven right-footed strike before setting up Barry with an incisive pass.
Bet you weren’t expecting that when you saw the starting XI! 👏
James Tarkowski was excellent, too, as was the whole back five, including the ever-reliable Jordan Pickford.
Jack Grealish also returned from illness, which was a much-needed bonus for Everton, considering all the injuries and players away at AFCON.
That said, Grealish has now released a statement following the victory.
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Jack Grealish hails Everton teammates after Nottingham Forest win
Everton are in an injury crisis at the moment, as David Moyes has confirmed that Michael Keane and Carlos Alcaraz have now been added to the list of absentees.
That made the win tonight even sweeter, though, and Grealish referenced that in a statement released on his Instagram after the game.
The Manchester City loanee heaped praise on his Toffees teammates and thanked the away fans for their support.
“Well done brothers,” Grealish said.
“Some away performance that with so many players out. Away end was unreal. Great end to the year. UTFT!”
How can you pick JUST one player as your MOTM vs Forest? 🤯
What a brilliant performance from the Toffees!
David Moyes admits that was his best Everton win
Adding to Grealish’s notion, Moyes admitted that tonight’s win was so satisfying considering all the issues at the moment.
“Not only this season but I think one of the better results we’ve had since I’ve come into the job because of how depleted we are,” the Scotsman said.
Tim was outstanding again 🔥
Does he keep Gueye out the team if he continues this form?
“We didn’t have enough senior players on the bench to make too many changes. I thought Nottingham Forest played well, but we defended well and took our moments when we got them.”
Everton are now sitting in eighth place heading into 2026, only two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, quite remarkably.
A couple more additions in January, and Moyes’ side could genuinely finish in one of the Europa League spots.
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