Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon despite a pretty decent away performance.
Everton lost Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall inside the opening 20 minutes of the game, so that was the worst possible start.
What went wrong for Everton against Chelsea? 🧐
Another visit to Stamford Bridge without a win… 31 years and counting!
Chelsea vs Everton full time score
Credit: Getty Images/Adrian Dennis/AFP.
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David Moyes has confirmed Dewsbury-Hall had a pre-existing injury that flared up, so they will have to run tests on his hamstring.
There were some decent performances across the park, but ultimately the visitors failed to take their chances, with Thierno Barry receiving criticism from Toffees fans.
Moyes, speaking post-match, did note that one Everton player was deserving of the Man of the Match award despite the defeat.
Everton midfielder James Garner.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
David Moyes heaps praise on James Garner’s performance vs Chelsea
Speaking to the media after the game, Moyes admitted he was actually really pleased with Everton’s performance.
“I thought we played really well today,” the 62-year-old said.
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“We have a good away record. I hope the people who haven’t seen us away can see why that is. We were never out of the game at 2-0. We always felt if we got one, we could get another.”
Who do YOU want to see more from at Everton with Ndiaye away and KDH likely out? 😫
David Moyes on Everton's loss to Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones.
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Moyes then hailed James Garner and pointed out that he was perhaps the best player on the pitch: “It was a tough decision to take Jimmy Garner off. He was as good as anybody on the pitch today.”
Garner is in talks to extend his contract at the club, as his current deal is due to expire at the end of the season.
So, that performance would’ve certainly strengthened his position in negotiations.
James Garner stats vs Chelsea
As evinced by his Sofascore statistics, Garner produced an exceptional midfield performance at Stamford Bridge.
The Manchester United academy graduate was excellent in possession of the ball and conducted his defensive duties superbly.
84 minutes
67 touches
93% pass accuracy
9 ball recoveries
6 ground duels won
1 interception
1 tackle
It’s quite remarkable to look back at how much Everton paid for Garner, as he only cost £15m back in 2022.
That now looks like an exceptional piece of business, as he’s more than doubled that investment and his stock could rise even further if he gets called up to the England squad.
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