Everton manager David Moyes hailed a coming-of-age performance from James Garner after the midfielder inspired a 2-0 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Garner Haunts Former Club with Man-of-the-Match Display
Returning to the City Ground where he once enjoyed a successful loan spell, Garner was the architect of Forest's downfall. He broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal before turning provider after the break, wriggling free from pressure to set up teammate Thierno Barry for Everton's second. The comfortable win allowed the Toffees to end the calendar year on a high note with a fine away result.
Moyes Praises Midfielder's Growth and Leadership
In his post-match comments, Moyes was effusive in his praise for the 24-year-old. "He was fantastic," said the Scot. "I think his goal was terrific. Jimmy played terrifically well." Moyes then highlighted Garner's personal development, noting a significant transformation in his attitude and responsibility on the pitch.
"When I came in, I still saw a bit of a boy and I think I now see someone who’s turning into a really good leader," Moyes explained. He added that Garner's performance against Forest's key players like Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White proved his growing stature.
Despite Garner's contract expiring at the end of the season, Moyes appeared relaxed about the situation, stating he was "quite comfortable" with how things stand, even as speculation about a January move lingers.
Dyche Frustrated as Forest's Relegation Worries Deepen
The result piled further pressure on former Everton boss Sean Dyche, whose Nottingham Forest side remain perilously close to the relegation zone. Despite a dominant statistical performance in terms of possession and territory, Forest failed to score for the umpteenth time this season. They have now suffered three consecutive defeats since a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Tottenham in mid-December, leaving them in 17th place, just four points above the drop.
Dyche expressed his disappointment, acknowledging a familiar story. "It happened to us at Fulham, a pretty dominant performance statistically. Here, very dominant stats, but stats don’t win games," he said. The manager pinpointed his team's lack of a clinical edge as the core issue, admitting the balance between style and effectiveness is still being sought.
"We had plenty of the ball and got into key areas, we created moments but not really that killer moment," Dyche concluded. "Goals win games and we didn’t find a goal." Forest's next challenge is a crucial fixture against West Ham United.
