James Garner hands Sean Dyche starting XI ‘dilemma’ for Everton v Manchester City clash
Everton boss Sean Dyche has a “dilemma” on his hands for the Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday (14 May), according to journalist Chris Beesley.
The Toffees welcome the Manchester outfit to Goodison Park after thrashing Brighton 5-1 on Monday (8 May).
And youngster James Garner has left his boss with a decision to make after giving the Toffees a “different dimension” against the Seagulls.
“With reigning Premier League champions and table toppers Manchester City next up at Goodison Park on Sunday though, the Blues boss’ most obvious dilemma seems to surround whether he can find a place in his starting line-up for Amadou Onana, the club’s biggest signing of last summer,” Beesley wrote for the Liverpool Echo.
“A stomach bug ahead of the trip to Leicester City ensured the £33.5million man was left on the bench at the King Power Stadium and with James Garner taking his chance to impress during his absence, the former Manchester United player got the nod again at the Amex Stadium.
“Garner’s passing range once more provided Everton’s midfield play with a different dimension against the Seagulls but with Onana replacing Idrissa Gueye – who had been booked in the first half for a challenge on Kaoru Mitoma – in the 86th minute, the Belgian international enjoyed a fruitful cameo by getting himself an assist.”
Big call
Dyche had been pretty rigid with his team selection week after week, but that seemingly changed against Brighton, namely with outcast Yerry Mina being handed a very rare start.
It looked like a strange decision from the Toffees manager, but it certainly paid off as Everton remained relatively tight at the back against a Brighton side who have been scoring for fun this season.
It was also a big call from Dyche to go with Garner from the start, rather than opting for the fit-again Onana.
It certainly wasn’t about going for youth over experience from the Everton manager, with Garner a year older than Onana.
It was instead about the impressive form from Garner, who may just be given another starting role for the huge clash against Manchester City.
Given Onana’s clear ability, many Toffees fans may question the decision, but others will simply question why the manager would change anything from the stunning victory against Brighton.