Everton can be proud of their performance away at Chelsea, as they were the better team for much of the game.
Although ultimately, Everton just weren’t clinical enough to leave Stamford Bridge with a positive result, with Toffees fans criticising Thierno Barry’s performance.
Jack Grealish also missed a great chance, so it’s become pretty clear that more firepower is needed in the January transfer window.
What did you make of Thierno Barry’s display vs Chelsea?
Thierno Barry stats vs Chelsea
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There were some really good performances across the pitch, as Chelsea fans were impressed with Iliman Ndiaye.
David Moyes also enjoyed James Garner’s display, and the Toffees midfielder has now come out and staked his claim to become the next captain.
Everton midfielder James Garner.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
James Garner sees himself as a future Everton captain
Seamus Coleman is the current Everton captain, although James Tarkowski has taken the armband for most of the season.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is also part of the leadership group, so he will be sorely missed during this festive period as he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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When asked about filling Gueye’s void in terms of seniority, Garner gave a pretty interesting response, as he staked his claim to become the next captain at the football club.
“I think (playing as a senior midfielder) comes quite naturally, to be fair,” the former Man United star explained.
“I’m quite a quiet leader. I’ve been captain pretty much every single place I’ve been at, coming through the youth teams, so it comes quite naturally to me.
What more does James Garner need to show to earn an England call-up? 🏴
David Moyes quote on James Garner's England hopes ahead of the World Cup.
Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar.
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“Hopefully, I can bring the lads along and whoever I end up playing in midfield, I’m sure I can help them and they can help me. We just want to keep picking up three points and keep on climbing the table.”
James Garner says the Chelsea game shows how far Everton have come
Despite suffering defeat, Garner explained why the Chelsea game shows exactly how far Everton have come in the space of a year.
“Maybe a year or two ago, we come here and we sit back and we have 20-30 per cent of the ball, whereas today we play against one of the best teams in the league, in the Champions League and we have a large spell on the ball and I think we were a better team for large parts of the game,” the 24-year-old said.
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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“But being the better team doesn’t get you three points, at the end of the day – they were clinical in both boxes and we weren’t.
“That’s the end story of the game, but definitely there are a lot of positives to take and we just need to pick ourselves up now and go again.”
Garner has suggested Everton just need more clinicality up front, so evidently the group recognise the need for a new centre-forward this winter.
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