Everton could use James Garner’s impressive record at full-back to help transform their dreadful recent record at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
On Tuesday night, Everton lost against Bournemouth at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which cemented their terrible start at their new state-of-the-art home.
David Moyes’ frustration was clear after the full time whistle as the Toffees threw away their one-goal lead in an eight-minute spell of madness.
Since signing his new contract, James Garner’s performances have faded of late as he continues to hunt for a spot in the England squad.
What is going so wrong at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton? 😳
It is now less than one win in every three following the loss against Bournemouth… 😤
A general exterior view of Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and Bournemouth.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
However, the midfielder’s versatility may just hold the answer to how Everton are able to get their home form back on track.
Everton v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Everton must hark to James Garner’s fantastic record whilst playing full-back
Everton have won just four of their 13 Premier League games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium since it opened up at the start of the season.
Is James Garner actually better as a full-back or in midfield? 🤔
He's been exceptional just about all season for the Blues!
James Garner of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason.
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However, Garner holds a sensational record of playing at full-back for Everton in the new stadium.
Opposition Score Position
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 W (& Scored) LB
Aston Villa 0-0 D LB
Fulham 2-0 W RB
Garner has played three times as a full-back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and Everton have won two of those and drawn another.
Ian Wright believes Everton are still getting used to their new stadium and the considerably bigger surroundings on the Liverpool docks.
Next up for Everton is a game against Manchester United on Monday evening at the new home of the Blues.
Jake O’Brien will be unavailable at right-back for Moyes following his sending off in the game against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
That is going to leave Moyes with a decision to make on who should play at right-back, with Garner’s record proving he is the right man for the job.
Harrison Armstrong could fill Everton’s midfield void
Some TalkingPoints users have suggested they feel Idrissa Gana Gueye has not quite looked the same since he returned from AFCON.
Similar could be said about Garner in recent weeks, with his performances of late perhaps not quite up to his usual standards in terms of providing much going forward.
Moyes has admitted Everton need a new right-back having searched for one since he returned to the club last year.
Garner has already proven that he is capable of playing at the back, with a goal to his name from full-back against Brighton.
Everton now have Merlin Rohl, Harrison Armstrong and Tim Iroegbunam at their disposal to play in midfield, which may now make it the perfect opportunity to return Garner to the spot at right-back.
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