James Garner should be ‘Embarrassed’ after what happened at Everton this week
Michael Ball has suggested that James Garner should be “embarrassed” after being ignored by his Everton teammates against Crystal Palace on Monday 19 February.
The Toffees were off-the-pace against the Eagles as the two Premier League strugglers battled it out for a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, with Amadou Onana heading home a late equaliser.
Despite the joy of a late goal, there was a strong feeling of disappointment that Sean Dyche’s side were not able to claim all three points, and Ball believes Everton’s tactics are to blame.
Writing for Liverpool Echo on Wednesday (21 February), he said: “The passage of play is so lacking for Everton against Crystal Palace, there was no point in having a midfield.
“If I was James Garner I’d be embarrassed because it’s like they don’t trust him to control the ball and pass it forward.”
James Garner embarrassed at Everton?
With Jordan Pickford deciding to hoof the ball on several occasions, some being shanked straight out of play, it is understandable where Ball is coming from.
Garner has been one of Dyche’s most consistent players this season. So, why are the Toffees not utilising his capabilities in midfield properly? The current situation at Goodison Park is not working.
Everton are without a Premier League victory since a 2-0 win over Burnley in December, scoring five goals and conceding 13 in eight matches since.
With a very real threat of relegation this season, above Luton Town and the relegation zone on goal difference, something needs to change and involving Garner more could be the key.
Contrary to the opinion that Garner was ignored against Palace, the midfielder made 80 touches throughout the 90 minutes, maintaining a 93 per cent passing accuracy, which made him the most accurate passer to play 45 minutes or more. [FotMob]
The 22-year-old saw plenty of the ball during the must-win match, but with his teammates failing to make an impact around him, his influence was significantly reduced.
His teammates need to step up their game if Everton are to survive Premier League relegation for a third successive campaign.
In other Everton news, Phil Jagielka has been left baffled by Manchester City’s FFP development amid the Toffees’ charges
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