Everton fans elated with starter who won 100 per cent of his tackles vs Bournemouth
Everton supporters were delighted by James Garner’s astute performance in their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on 2 December.
Following Everton’s diabolical 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on 29 November, David Moyes would’ve been thrilled by how his side responded down on the south coast.
Everton fan favourite Vitaliy Mykolenko started once again in a rotated back four, due to Michael Keane’s last-minute injury.
Yet, in a dogged performance from the Toffees, it was Garner who won the hearts of the supporters after a testing battle against Antoine Semenyo in a makeshift right-back role.
James Garner soars at right-back as Everton dig deep to secure mammoth victory
Garner has been linked with a move away from Everton in January, but after his performance at the Vitality Stadium, Moyes will be eager to keep him for the foreseeable future.
The 24-year-old deputised at right-back due to the absence of Keane, forcing Jake O’Brien to cover at centre-back.
Yet, having played on the right side of defence a few times already this campaign, the Englishman excelled in his task of keeping the Semenyo quiet.
The number 37 won three of his four aerial duels as well as prevailing in both of his tackles in an all-round astute defensive display.
His heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, also depicts his relentless work rate, as he raced up and down the right-hand side to support the Toffees’ attacks.
The former Watford man’s six recoveries and three clearances emanated his terrier-like application, as he dug deep to keep the Bournemouth attack at bay.
Moving forward, the Man United academy graduate also offered creativity, delivering two key passes with an xA of 0.13.
Everton supporters were grateful for Garner’s performance against the Cherries, with one fan saying: “I think James Garner could be one of the best right-backs in the league.” with another adding: “James Garner is an underrated footballer.”