Everton pulled off an historic victory on Monday night with a win that defied all the odds against Manchester United.
The records were strongly against Everton going into the game on Monday, but things were quickly made even more difficult.
David Moyes secured his first-ever Premier League victory away to Man United and the Toffees did it in style.
It was certainly a drama-filled 90 minutes, with Idrissa Gana Gueye sent off for fighting his own teammate, Michael Keane.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stole the headlines with the decisive goal of the game, with his stunning effort from the edge of the box beating Senne Lammens.
However, there was another Everton player who really impressed Gary Neville on what was a huge night for the Blues.
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Gary Neville wowed by Everton’s James Garner vs Manchester United
Heading into the game, Everton News had reported that Everton were keen to secure James Garner to a new deal.
The 24-year-old midfielder is receiving a lot of interest from across the Premier League as his Everton contract heads into its final months.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Who was your MOTM vs Man United?
It was another solid showing by the former United midfielder, with Neville waxing lyrical about Garner following the full-time whistle.
“I just thought that it was a mixture from Everton of really good defending, really good shape, really good energy, frustrated United, but also I thought that when they got on the ball through Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish and Barry up front being a bit of a sort of battering ram and as someone who flicked it on, I thought they did really well,” he said on the Gary Neville Podcast.
“I thought Garner was fantastic in midfield. They all took the ball. They didn’t just pump it forward.
“They were a bit back to the wall in the second half as you’d expect, but I thought after the red card in the first half, they played some really good stuff.”
Amid the speculation, it has been suggested that Man United will not try to re-sign Garner just years on from letting him join the Blues.
This is a player who has really turned things around on Merseyside this season, and will become even more important following Gueye’s red card on Monday night.
James Garner was everywhere against Man United
Ruben Amorim expected Garner to return to midfield, following his stint at right-back for the victory over Fulham.
And it was a decision which Moyes got spot on as the 24-year-old dominated for the Toffees at his former home.
Tony Hibbert has also been wowed by Garner and the consistently brilliant displays he has shown under Moyes.
Idrissa Gana Gueye apologises after his red card vs Man United
“I want to apologise first to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club.
“What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high but nothing justifies such behaviour. I’ll make sure it never happens again. UTT.”
It is no real surprise that he is finally getting his flowers, with performances like this at the Theatre of Dreams.
90 minutes played
1 assist
45 touches
3 interceptions
1 clearance
2/2 aerial duels won
Moyes has admitted he wants to keep Garner around at the club beyond his current deal.
Performances like Monday night will only provide the midfielder with more ammunition going into any potential contract talks with the Everton chiefs.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox