Pundit praises ‘brilliant bit of skill’ that Everton ace Garner produced v Luton

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Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith singled out Everton midfielder James Garner for praise after he produced a moment of quality against Luton Town.

James Garner was one of the few Everton players to produce a respectable performance against Luton Town at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, as the Toffees fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Luton Town battled hard throughout the match and were deserving of their victory over the Merseyside club. Whist Sean Dyche’s side had their chances to score, they were wasteful in front of goal. This is a bad habit that has plagued the club for some time.

One such chance fell to Garner himself, but he failed to convert. That miss aside, though, the 22-year-old was a bright spark for Everton on the right flank.

Having paid £15 million to prise him away from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, Garner finally seems to be coming good for Everton. He has made a solid start to the season, and has the potential to become a star for the club.

Garner garnering attention

One flash of quality from Garner caught Sue Smith’s eye this weekend. Watching the game for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (30/09/2023, 15:10), the 93-cap former England international said, “Everton have just had a great opportunity, James Garner, brilliant bit of skill from him. Initially, McNeil wins the ball back in his own half, into Doucoure who then switches the play to James Garner.”

“He cuts in onto his left foot and he’s just looking for that far corner, but it’s just wide. Great opportunity for Everton.”

Whilst he didn’t find the back of the net on this occasion, Dyche will have been encouraged by the directness and confidence of Garner’s play. If Everton can finally find a way of consistently applying a finishing touch then they will surely be able to rapidly climb their way up the Premier League table.

It seems clear from these early weeks of the season, that if Everton are to have a successful campaign, then Garner will likely be at the heart of it. Dyche must now keep faith in the England under-21 international.