Everton secured a crucial 2-0 Premier League victory over a struggling Nottingham Forest at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with goals from former Forest loanee James Garner and Thierno Barry sealing the win. The defeat extends Forest's miserable run to three consecutive losses, increasing the pressure on manager Sean Dyche as a daunting January fixture list looms.
Garner's Quiet Celebration After Opener
The match, which Everton entered without a win or a goal in almost four weeks since the reverse fixture, was ignited by a moment of quality from Dwight McNeil. The winger, a January target for Dyche who has managed him twice before, slipped a clever pass to James Garner. Garner, who spent 18 months on loan at Forest and helped them win promotion under Steve Cooper in 2022, wriggled past Morgan Gibbs-White and calmly finished into the far corner. The midfielder pointedly refused to celebrate against his former club.
Forest, who had formally complained to the referees' body (PGMO) about officiating in their previous defeat to Manchester City, made a lethargic start and struggled to break down a resolute Everton defence. The centre-back pairing of Jake O'Brien and James Tarkowski effectively neutralised the threat of Forest's Igor Jesus. The home side's best first-half chance came just before the break, a whipped free-kick from Oleksandr Zinchenko forcing Jordan Pickford into an awkward save.
Forest's Frustration and Barry's Decisive Blow
Dyche attempted to spark a reaction at half-time, introducing Douglas Luiz. The substitute forced a save with a powerful long-range strike, but Forest's attacks largely fizzled out in the face of organised opposition. Taiwo Awoniyi replaced the frustrated Igor Jesus, but the striker was too slow to capitalise on a golden chance created by Neco Williams, with Dilane Bakwa also failing to convert the squared pass.
Everton, with Jack Grealish only fit enough for the bench due to illness, sealed the three points in the 79th minute. Thierno Barry, capitalising on sustained pressure, netted the decisive second goal to ensure the Toffees' first victory in nearly a month. Bakwa flashed a late shot wide for Forest, but it was a mere consolation as the final whistle confirmed another damaging defeat.
A Bruising Run Ahead for Dyche's Side
The result leaves Forest in a precarious position. With five of their next six Premier League fixtures away from home, including a crucial trip to a resurgent West Ham United who are now just four points behind them, the schedule looks unforgiving. For David Moyes and his injury-hit Everton squad, this was a vital and deserved triumph that eases their own concerns, built on a foundation of defensive solidity and clinical finishing.
