Chris Sutton gives ‘absolute stinker’ verdict live on BBC after incident in Everton win v Bournemouth
Chris Sutton accused Bournemouth defender Illya Zabarnyi of having an “absolute stinker” against Everton with his error in the build-up to the goal scored by James Garner.
Zabarnyi tripped on the ball near the Bournemouth box and Garner – starting in a central position – was given space to pick his spot past Neto for the opening goal in Saturday’s (7 October) contest at Goodison Park.
It was a fine finish from the Everton midfielder, but the opportunity only came about as a result of Zabarnyi’s costly howler.
Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus [7 October, 15:09], Sutton said: “Zabarnyi, the Bournemouth centre-half, attempts to step in and play the ball out.
“But he slips over and Garner goes through one-on-one, finishing really well. That’s an absolute stinker.”
Composed finish
Garner has showed his versatility this season by playing on the right of midfield and in the centre – and it is in the latter position he seems to come alive.
The 22-year-old has started two games in central midfield this season, having also done so in the EFL Cup win at Aston Villa, and has scored in both.
It has been a very slow start to the season for Everton, but Manchester United academy product Garner can at least hold his head up high.
Garner also deserves credit for being right on top of Zabarnyi to collect the loose ball after the error was made, before calmly slotting home with a composed finish to set his side on their way to a 3-0 win.
The less said about what Bournemouth defender Zabarnyi was trying to do, the better. But long may Garner’s impressive form in an Everton shirt continue.
In other Everton news, 777 Partners penned an open letter to supporters ahead of the Bournemouth match.