David Moyes managing Everton (left) and Mikel Arteta managing Arsenal (right)
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Hull City v Everton - Premier League 2026/27
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David Moyes looks on.
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Arsenal FC v Everton - Premier League 2026/27
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David Moyes looks on.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall warms up for Everton.
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What James Garner admitted after Chelsea loss will surely enrage some Everton fans
James Garner playing for Everton.
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But Everton didn’t really threaten to win the game on Saturday, but that’s unsurprising after what James Garner admitted.
It's a first defeat of the season for Everton as they lose 2-0 to Chelsea 😡 Give us YOUR reaction 👇
It’s baffling to me that Tyrique George is still not a regular starter in this team. After such a promising start as well!
@cheet57 because they aren't picking the arse of moyes, get rid now
This Grealish is slowing us down last season he was going past defenders he's lost pace we need to look to the younguns to get us out of this malaise attack the fans would be behind the team win or lose show the effort we need change
James Garner mentality admission suggests Everton beating Chelsea was never likely
Speaking after the game, James Garner told BBC Radio Merseyside: “That killed us really. We got into half-time at 0-0 and our plan was obviously to just stay in the game and chances will come.
“But obviously as soon as their first one goes in, it’s an uphill climb from there.”
Chelsea, of course, have some dangerous players and have showcased their attacking might this season. But to hear this from Garner is disappointing and it rather just sums up the approach from Moyes.
This was a home game against a side who are still finding their way under a new manager, and have been all at sea in defence at times this season. And of course, Everton have done well at home against Chelsea in recent years.
Everton Chelsea
Shots (on target) – 5(5) Shots (on target) – 16(5)
Possession – 47% Possession – 53%
Fouls – 8 Fouls – 15
Offside – 4 Offside – 1
Corners – 5 Corners – 7
So the plan being to just stay in the game is difficult to accept. Yes, Chelsea had a number of chances in the game, but Everton ought to have been bolder and gone after their opponents a little more, and put their vulnerable backline under some pressure.
Seemingly, it was all about throwing caution to the wind and then perhaps trying to nick a goal against the run of play.
Up next for Everton is Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and that is a game that perhaps demands this kind of approach more. To have gone into the Chelsea game with this mindset is less understandable.