Table of Contents
- Haunting Return of James Garner
- Worrying Times for Sean Dyche
- Everton's Much-Needed Victory
- Contributions to the Goals
- Nottingham Forest's Scoring Issues
- Final Whistle Reactions
JAMES Garner returned to trouble his former club as alarm bells began to sound for Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche.
The ex-Forest loanee netted one goal and assisted Thierno Barry’s second goal, helping his team rediscover their scoring touch.
James Garner troubled his former team at the City GroundCredit: PA
Thierno Barry secured the victory for Everton with his goalCredit: PA
For former Everton manager Dyche, these are concerning times.
This marked Forest’s third consecutive defeat following their win against Tottenham, and they now face a crucial match on Saturday.
They will then meet relegation rivals, now led by a former Forest manager, and they currently sit just four points ahead of the Hammers.
If Dyche had any doubts about his team's status as relegation contenders, they have now been confirmed.
However, the focus was on Garner’s significant contribution to an essential Everton win.
The midfielder's contract expires this season, and he is expected to attract interest during the January transfer window.
Garner previously spent 18 months at the City Ground while on Manchester United's roster.
He played a pivotal role in helping Forest gain promotion to the Premier League nearly four years ago.
That’s why he refrained from celebrating in front of the Trent End after putting Everton ahead in the 19th minute.
The goal was set up by Dwight O’Neil, who first impressed under Dyche at Burnley, and the two could potentially reunite at Forest next month.
O’Neil’s precise pass allowed Garner to score from the edge of the six-yard box.
Garner then turned provider with an excellent through ball, leading to Barry scoring for the first time since netting against Forest in their earlier encounter this month.
This also marked Everton’s first Premier League goals in four matches, since their 3-0 victory over Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
When Dyche took over, it seemed he was steering Forest away from trouble after a turbulent start to the season.
Nottingham Forest is just four points above the relegation zoneCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
However, their biggest challenge remains scoring goals – they have only 18 goals from 19 matches, with only rock-bottom Wolves having scored fewer.
Forest struggled to cope with Garner’s match-winning performance.
Yet Dyche’s side could not penetrate an Everton defense led by skipper, a player familiar to the Forest manager.
Forest had limited opportunities and squandered the few chances they created.
Callum Hudson-Odoi missed a close-range chance after half an hour.
Meanwhile, the recalled Oleksander Zinchenko saw his 25-yard free kick brilliantly saved.
Igor Jesus had a shot that went just wide before he was substituted.
Garner was active again before Barry's goal, delivering a cross that Tarkowski headed wide from close range.
Everton has climbed to 8th in the league tableCredit: Reuters
Barry’s goal sapped the remaining momentum Forest had.
However, substitute Dilane Bakwa nearly pulled one back with a shot that narrowly missed the far post.
There were boos at the final whistle for Forest, and Dyche must now figure out how to maximize the potential of a talented squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact did James Garner have in the match against Nottingham Forest?
James Garner scored one goal and assisted in another, playing a crucial role in Everton's victory over Nottingham Forest.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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