James Garner Speaks On Everton Form, Injuries, And Getting More Goals
James Garner believes Everton have a genuine shot at silverware this season after Thursday's 3-1 win over Newcastle United sent them through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
James Garner opened the scoring at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton with his first goal of the campaign.
Tyrique George pressured Amar Dedic into giving the ball away deep in Newcastle's half, Hayden Hackney nudged it into Garner's path, and he curled it into the corner from the edge of the box 11 minutes before half-time.
Hackney then scored his first goal for the club, finishing first-time from a Thierno Barry cross, before Barry added the third himself after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall broke clear down the left. Dan Burn's late header was a consolation and nothing more.
The reward is a quarter-final against League Two side Fleetwood Town, and Garner made no secret of how Everton have a real chance of getting somewhere in the competition.
“It was important for us to get the win and to go into the next round. I think if we would have heard at the start of the competition that we’d be in the quarter-finals and facing Fleetwood, we would have taken it.
"So, it's a real chance for us to actually do something with this cup. It would be amazing for us as players, as a team, as a club, and for the fans as well, to hopefully go and bring some silverware back here.”
Everton manager David Moyes deserves credit for his part in the victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.roundtable.ioEverton v Newcastle: David Moyes Deserves Credit For Tactical Tweak
Everton manager David Moyes deserves credit for his part in the victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
A route to Wembley
It's hard to argue with him. Everton haven't won a major trophy since the 1995 FA Cup, and they have never won the League Cup, losing finals in 1977 and 1984. Every season that passes adds to the weight of that record.
A last-eight tie against a side three divisions below is about as good a draw as Everton could have asked for. Win at Highbury Stadium, and they are just one game from a Wembley final. The players know it, and Garner isn't pretending otherwise.
Goals and fitness
Garner also spoke about his own game. The goal was a long time coming, and he was honest about where he needs to improve.
“It’s always a good feeling when you score a goal. Unfortunately, I don't score enough, which I need to start doing, but to score a goal and to put the team on the front foot is a good feeling."
Garner's value has always come from his work rate, keeping the ball and winning tackles, rather than his goal tally. But with Hackney now chipping in from midfield after his summer move from Middlesbrough, there is more competition for central places than there has been in recent seasons.
Goals from deeper areas would also take some of the load off Barry, who has carried most of the attacking burden.
His start to the campaign was disrupted by a groin injury, and he admitted he may have rushed his return.
“Good performances and even something small – like a goal – does boost your confidence. I just need to stay positive.
“I know I came back really early with my injury – probably a bit too early – but that just shows the type of person I am.
“I want to be there for the lads, and that's what I have done.
“I'm pushing every single day to be 100 per cent, and I hope everyone can see that.”
Rushing back from a groin problem is a risk, and it explains why he has spent the last few weeks building his way back into form rather than hitting the ground running.
Newcastle again
Everton travel to St James' Park on Monday night for the second meeting with Newcastle in five days, this time in the Premier League.
Newcastle brought on Yoane Wissa, Joelinton and Anthony Elanga at half-time on Thursday, and all three are likely to start at home, you'd think. Everton will need Garner sharp in midfield if they are to follow a cup win with a result in the league.
This game is crucial as Everton look to continue the positivity.