David Moyes believes James Garner's first goal of the season will help him regain his best form, while admitting that the performances of Harrison Armstrong and Hayden Hackney have created a midfield selection dilemma. Everton travel to St James' Park on Monday to face Newcastle United for the second time in five days, following a 3-1 win over Matthias Jaissle's side in the Carabao Cup at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday.
Garner's Return to Form
Garner enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025/26, being named Everton Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, earning his first England caps, and signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract in January. However, his form this term has not matched those standards, prompting Moyes to highlight the 25-year-old's 34th-minute opener against Newcastle – a sweeping strike from the edge of the area – as a potential turning point.
Moyes said: “When he came back, he needed an operation on a hernia and he came back really quick. I think he’s taken a little bit to build up, even though he’s rushed back because he knew he needed him because he’s so important for us. I think the goal will give him a bit of confidence, not that he desperately needs it. He’s been away with England in the recent trip as well. So, we’re pleased with Jimmy. I just think he’s still got a bit to go to reach the levels he was at last season, so hopefully that continues.”
Midfield Selection Headache
Despite The Friedkin Group being prepared to sell Armstrong to Nottingham Forest for £40 million before the summer transfer window closed – only to perform a dramatic U-turn when travelling supporters at Bournemouth threatened to riot – the teenager has started every Premier League match for Everton this season. But with Championship Player of the Season Hackney taking Armstrong's place against Newcastle and scoring his first Blues goal, Moyes acknowledges he now has a welcome selection problem.
He said: “Look, one of the reasons Hayden has had problems [getting playing time] is because of the form of Harrison as he’s done so well. It’s good because it’s given me a few more choices and more decisions. Hayden’s performance and his goal helps as well, so I’m pleased. It’s good for Hayden because it gets him a bit more of a touch of the Premier League. Sometimes you just have to wait for your moments to you get your chances and do something and he did something against Newcastle.”
Moyes also acknowledged that other squad members are having to be patient, adding: “I’m getting asked a few times and I think it happens quite often, that people talk about the players who are not in the team. We’ve actually started the season in the in main pretty well. Hayden has not had much of a run and the likes of Tyrique started well, came out a little bit. So, in Hayden’s case, it’s because he’s getting used to coming from the Championship and in Tyrique’s it’s a little bit of him being young and making those decisions. In the first half I thought Tyler did well but struggled a bit more when it came to the second half. But I think they’re beginning to show a bit more. They’re up and coming young players, so hopefully we can keep developing them and they’ll continue to get better.”
Barry's Goal Tally
One player whose place in the side appears secure is Thierno Barry, who remains Everton's only recognised striker after Beto was sold to Fiorentina on transfer deadline day and a £40 million deal for USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun collapsed late on. Barry scored against Newcastle and has now reached a tally he did not match until May last season.
Moyes said: “It sounds good that doesn’t it? Seven in 11. I’m really pleased for him because he’s got some limitations but he’s trying his best to make them better and we’re very short in that area. We did consider against Newcastle on Thursday maybe making a change and looking to see if we could do something else, but we stuck with it, and he got a good goal, so I’m pleased for him.”
