Everton manager David Moyes discusses James Garner's performance at Chelsea, why he was brought off, and his contract situation
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Head Coach David Moyes of Everton during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on December 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
David Moyes during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on December 13
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David Moyes said his words to James Garner after the Everton midfielder was withdrawn against Chelsea were to explain the reason for his substitution. Moyes replaced the 24-year-old late in the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge and wrapped an arm around the former Manchester United player while speaking to him at length.
Assistant managers Alan Irvine and Leighton Baines did similar as Garner made his way to the bench.
Moyes later confirmed the coaches were keen to stress how impressed they were at his performance with the Blues boss later declaring it as “as good as any player on the pitch”.
READ MORE: What the Everton away end did at full-time told its own story – and so did David Moyes' reaction
But with the key man just one booking away from a suspension, the decision to take him off was made to avoid him picking up a late yellow card that would have ruled him out of the upcoming game at home to leaders Arsenal.
Moyes - when asked whether it was a difficult call to bring Idrissa Gueye into the starting line-up upon his return to availability following a three-match suspension - said: “It was a tougher decision to take Jimmy Garner off with 10 minutes to go.
“He was probably as good as any player on the pitch, today, but we knew that he was one booking away and we had to protect him, especially with the boys going away for AFCON.”
The call was considered a necessity because Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye depart for Morocco on Monday, the pair joining up with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, an option in the middle along with Gueye, was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury after 10 minutes of the loss to Chelsea. There are also concerns that Jack Grealish may have a hamstring issue.
Asked whether he had any concerns about losing Garner, whose contract enters its final six months in January - though Everton retain a degree of power over his situation through a one-year extension that can be triggered by the club if certain conditions are met, Moyes said: “Well look, I wouldn't be letting him go, so I think the club will do everything they can to make sure that he stays.
“It shows the difference - I don't know if many clubs were after Everton players in the past, possibly, but they're now beginning to show a bit of interest in some of the players, which is a good sign.
“Hopefully he signs a new contract when it's time. But he's got the end of the season, he's got an option as well, so obviously we'd be on that if we need to be.”