There is not a pundit on the planet who would have predicted Everton’s current run of form at the start of the season, after they had lost four and drawn one of their opening five in the league.
Remaining winless until mid-September, they had given the rest of the division a huge head start in their bid to achieve survival yet again.
Having come so close to the drop in the two seasons beforehand, it was expected that they might not be so fortunate this campaign, especially given that run of form.
And yet, were it not for their points deduction, Sean Dyche would have already amassed 26 points in the Premier League now, within touching distance of European spots.
The work their 52-year-old manager is doing is miraculous, with journalist Henry Winter taking to X to laud their progress.
However, he would highlight James Garner for particular praise, selecting him as the spearhead of the revival that is taking the division by storm.
He wrote: ‘James Garner embodies so much that is good about #EFC under Sean Dyche. Hunger, work-rate, pressing, tactical discipline in keeping the (compact) shape and linking well with full-back Patterson. (Godfrey interception btw)’.
How good was Everton’s James Garner vs Burnley?
As the man often billed to solve their creative issues in the engine room, it is remarkable the rate at which the Manchester United academy graduate has announced himself as one of Everton’s most influential figures off the ball rather than on it.
He is tireless in the midfield and puts so much work in that perhaps goes unnoticed. His unexpected absence earlier this month showcased the vacancy he leaves, even if the Toffees still managed to maintain their fine run.
Well, Winter certainly is seeking to provoke some kind of appreciation for the 22-year-old, who shone again yesterday.
Managing just 46 touches, the £30k-per-week maestro was perhaps starved of as much possession as he would have liked. However, he was incredibly proficient when handed the ball, feeding in two key passes and nearly finding the net himself with a stunning free-kick which James Trafford had to deal with, via Sofascore.
Not only that, but he would combine this with a further two clearances, one block, one interception and one tackle, winning six duels too.
He was everywhere and has adapted to the immense physical demands placed upon him so well.
Should he maintain this form, continuing his role as the figurehead of Dyche’s revolution, the sky truly is the limit for such a mature young star.
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