David Moyes has been discussing his midfield options ahead of Everton's second game against Newcastle United in five days
Everton's James Garner (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Everton's James Garner (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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David Moyes believes a first goal this term will help get James Garner up and running while admitting that the respective form of Harrison Armstrong and Hayden Hackney – who netted in an Everton shirt for the first time against Newcastle United – gives him a midfield conundrum.
The Blues go to St James’ Park on Monday to face the Magpies for the second time in five days following their 3-1 win over Matthias Jaissle’s side in the Carabao Cup at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday. Garner enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025/26, being named Everton Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season while also earning his first England caps and penning a new four-and-a-half year contract in January.
However, his form so far this term had not been up to those same stellar standards, prompting Moyes to earmark the 25-year-old’s 34th minute opener last time out – a sweeping strike from the edge of the area – as a potential landmark moment.
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The Blues boss said: “When he came back, he needed an operation on a hernia and he came back really quick. I think he’s taken a little bit to build up, even though he’s rushed back because he knew he needed him because he’s so important for us.
“I think the goal will give him a bit of confidence, not that he desperately needs it. He’s been away with England in the recent trip as well.
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“So, we’re pleased with Jimmy. I just think he’s still got a bit to go to reach the levels he was at last season, so hopefully that continues.”
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Despite The Friedkin Group being prepared to sell Armstrong to Nottingham Forest for £40million before the summer transfer window closed – only to perform a dramatic U-turn when travelling supporters at Bournemouth threatened to riot if club bossed cashed in on their home-grown hero – the teenager has started every Premier League match for Everton so far this season. But with Championship Player of the Season Hackney taking the West Derby prospect’s place against Newcastle United and beating him to his first Blues goal, Moyes acknowledges that he now has a welcome selection headache.
He said: “Look, one of the reasons Hayden has had problems [getting playing time] is because of the form of Harrison as he’s done so well. It’s good because it’s given me a few more choices and more decisions.
“Hayden’s performance and his goal helps as well, so I’m pleased. It’s good for Hayden because it gets him a bit more of a touch of the Premier League. Sometimes you just have to wait for your moments to you get your chances and do something and he did something against Newcastle.”
Moyes acknowledges that other members of his squad are having to be patient though and added: “I’m getting asked a few times and I think it happens quite often, that people talk about the players who are not in the team. We’ve actually started the season in in the main pretty well.
“Hayden has not had much of a run and the likes of Tyrique started well, came out a little bit. So, in Hayden’s case, it’s because he’s getting used to coming from the Championship and in Tyrique’s it’s a little bit of him being young and making those decisions. In the first half I thought Tyler did well but struggled a bit more when it came to the second half.
“But I think they’re beginning to show a bit more. They’re up and coming young players, so hopefully we can keep developing them and they’ll continue to get better.”
One player whose place in the side seems secure though is Thierno Barry who remains Everton’s only recognised striker after Beto was sold to Fiorentina on transfer deadline day and a £40million deal for USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun collapsed late on after the Monaco frontman got cold feet. Barry was back among the goals against the Magpies and he’s now on a tally that he didn’t reach until May last season!
Moyes said: “It sounds good that doesn’t it? Seven in 11.
“I’m really pleased for him because he’s got some limitations but he’s trying his best to make them better and we’re very short in that area. We did consider against Newcastle on Thursday maybe making a change and looking to see if we could do something else, but we stuck with it, and he got a good goal, so I’m pleased for him.”
Jack Grealish (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Jack Grealish (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)