Garner: Why Chelsea Defeat Can Spur Everton On
James Garner has urged Everton’s players to use Saturday’s defeat to “spur” them on ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
A 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium ended Everton’s impressive unbeaten start to 2026/27.
Pedro Neto’s brace downed the Toffees, with the Portugal international winger’s first goal arriving moments after the start of the second period.
“That killed us, really,” remarked Garner, speaking in his post-match interview. “We got into half-time at 0-0, and our plan was obviously to just stay in the game and the chances will come.
“But then, as soon as their first one goes in, it's an uphill climb from there.”
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Goalless at half-time, it had been a promising first half from David Moyes’ side – often frustrating Chelsea with a battling display.
Garner continued: “I think there were positives in the first half.
“We had a couple of chances, we go in at half-time at 0-0. It's all still there to play for. But obviously, the early goal in the second half killed us.
“It's just a scrappy goal and we were a bit unfortunate it bumbles about the box and it falls to one of their players instead of us.
“Then, the last 10 minutes was an even bigger hill to climb.”
Reflecting on a disappointing defeat, Garner is keen for his side to bounce back with a positive showing against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal on Saturday.
“We've had a good start to the season,” assured Garner. “We need to start turning more of our draws into wins.
“It's our first loss of the season in terms of cups and the Premier League, so we’re hoping this can spur us on.
“We go into next week and I'm hoping we can pick up the points we just lost.”
Full 90: Everton v Chelsea