Everton: Sue Smith raves after ‘fantastic’ James Garner strike v Aston Villa
James Garners’s opening strike for Everton against Aston Villa was a “fantastic finish”, according to Sue Smith.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (27 September), the pundit raved about the 22-year-old’s opening strike at Villa Park, which helped the Toffees to a 2-1 win and progression to the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Garner made a run into the box and latched onto Amadou Onana’s defence-splitting ball before coolly slotting his effort past Robin Olsen.
Smith said: “It’s James Garner with the goal and it’s good play from Everton. They’re pressing high.
“It falls to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, great header back to Onana and it’s a great ball through and a brilliant first touch from Garner. Fantastic finish.”
Striker’s instinct
Garner’s opener proved to be a crucial strike with Sean Dyche’s side overcoming the in-form Villans away from Goodison Park.
Both sides put out strong lineups, but the Toffees clearly wanted it more. Coming off the back of their much-needed three points against Brentford in the Premier League, confidence must be running thick in their veins after such a well-fought victory at Villa Park.
Garner capitalised on Everton’s effective high press and found himself in acres of space in the box. Having not scored a goal since his Championship days with Nottingham Forest in the 2021/22 season, most Toffees fans probably did not realise the Birkenhead-born boy had such a finish in his locker.
The former Manchester United man was excellent for Dyche even after his 15th-minute strike. Per SofaScore, he won 11 ground duels, made six tackles and three successful dribbles, proving to be one of the Toffees’ most effective players on the night.
Smith also touched on the technique of Garner’s first touch, with his cushioned control successfully protecting the ball from the approaching Pau Torres.
Proving he has a striker’s instinct, the Goodison Park faithful will hope Garner can maintain this kind of form for as long as possible.
In other Everton news, a journalist has dropped a 777 verdict regarding ‘master’ Josh Wander after Everton takeover news.