Everton star James Garner looking in the direction of Match of the Day panellists Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.
(Credit: Imago)
Jacob Raw
Sun 22 March 2026 7:40, UK
Everton‘s win over Chelsea on Saturday had plenty of positives for the Toffees, but Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney both saw James Garner’s performance as standout factor.
The Toffees had Hill Dickinson Stadium bouncing after they downed Chelsea 3-0 in another crucial Premier League win that was again orchestrated by Garner.
David Moyes has been praising the midfielder during the build-up to the match, as the latter received his maiden England call-up earlier in the week.
The ex-Manchester United star is one of the first names on the teamsheet and showed why against Chelsea, providing another fantastic assist, this time for Beto’s opening goal.
Garner has been given the plaudits by Rooney and Shearer, who were both in agreement over the Everton star.
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Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney agree James Garner ‘ran the show’ vs Chelsea
Garner recently received a new Everton contract that will keep him at Finch Farm until the summer of 2030.
The 25-year-old is in the running for Everton’s Player of the Season award, and showed his quality once more against Chelsea.
Minutes 90
Tackles won 4
Pass success 96%
Assists 1
Defensive contributions 10
Fantasy Premier League points 6
Garner vs Chelsea
While speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer and Rooney both took the opportunity to praise Garner for his performance in their analysis of the game.
Shearer said: “Garner I thought, was absolutely outstanding; he ran the show. The weight off pass for that ball into Beto. There was no way through [for Chelsea]. If they go past one [Everton player], Garner’s coming to snap into you.”
Rooney agreed: “I think he’s been outstanding, not just this season, but last season as well. It’s great for Everton that he’s signed a new contract as well.”
The Toffees have now lifted themselves into eighth place in the league, but it’s hard to imagine where they would be without their star midfielder.
Is there a wider discussion to have him in the conversation for the Premier League Player of the Year Award?
Jordan Pickford also deserves praise; here’s why
Maybe Shearer and Rooney don’t watch Everton on a regular basis, because this wasn’t a one-off performance from Garner.
The man has been putting in these types of displays ever since he arrived on Merseyside, and only seems to be getting better.
However, someone whose ability is often overlooked by wider footballing fans is Jordan Pickford.
Pickford prevented 1.07 goals
He picked up a 7.9 rating against Chelsea
4 saves were made in total by the Everton keeper
As highlighted by Sofascore, Pickford grabbed a 7.9 rating against Chelsea, as the shot-stopper helped keep the Toffees in the match on a couple occassions.
With the World Cup around the corner, it’s crucial that England have their number one in top form. But the reality is that Thomas Tuchel could be getting the best version of the Everton keeper this summer.