Garner Masterclass Sinks Dominant Forest

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND — James Garner haunted his former club with a goal and an assist, leading Everton to a 2-0 victory at The City Ground that defied every statistical measure in front of 30,617 stunned supporters.

The midfielder, who spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Forest, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a composed right-footed finish from the right side of the box after Dwight McNeil's incisive through ball split the home defense. Garner then turned provider in the 79th minute, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Thierno Barry during a devastating counter-attack that sealed all three points for the visitors.

Nottingham Forest dominated the ball with 70.1% possession, pinning Everton back for long stretches, but found Jordan Pickford in inspired form between the posts. The England international produced six saves to thwart Forest's relentless pressure, denying Morgan Gibbs-White twice from close range and palming away efforts from Neco Williams and Douglas Luiz. Forest launched 21 shots at goal compared to Everton's 11, yet Pickford's heroics and clinical finishing at the other end told the tale.

The home side's frustration mounted as wave after wave of attacks broke against Everton's disciplined defensive structure. James Tarkowski and Merlin Röhl formed an impenetrable barrier, with Tarkowski winning crucial aerial duels against Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi. Nottingham Forest's pressure yielded nine corners, but Pickford commanded his area superbly, claiming crosses with authority while his defenders blocked shots from Murillo and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Tim Iroegbunam and Garner controlled the tempo in midfield for Everton, breaking up Forest's rhythm and launching quick transitions. Nathan Patterson and Tyler Dibling provided width, stretching Forest's defense and creating space for McNeil's creativity. The visitors absorbed pressure with remarkable composure, their defensive shape never wavering despite facing shot after shot.

The statistics told a different story, with Nottingham Forest dominating possession and chances but Everton taking all three points. Forest's 6 shots on target from 21 attempts highlighted their wastefulness in the final third, while Everton converted 2 of their 3 efforts on goal. The clinical efficiency proved decisive.

Barry's late goal crushed any lingering hopes of a Forest comeback. Elliot Anderson and Omari Hutchinson worked tirelessly to create openings, but Pickford stood firm. Substitutes Dilane Bakwa and Awoniyi injected fresh energy, yet the breakthrough never arrived. Douglas Luiz picked up a yellow card for a frustrated challenge on Tim Iroegbunam as Forest's desperation grew.

The turning point arrived in those frantic final 15 minutes when Forest threw everything forward. Gibbs-White's header from point-blank range in the 83rd minute seemed destined for the net, only for Pickford to produce a stunning reflex save. Moments later, Garner and Barry combined to break Forest hearts on the counter.

Looking ahead, Nottingham Forest will travel to face Aston Villa on January 3, desperately needing points to climb away from the relegation zone.