‘Moyes has no-brainer decision’ after what James Garner did in Everton v Port Vale

James Garner stood out as Everton beat Port Vale 2-1 behind closed doors at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday.

David Moyes’ team hosted the League One outfit on 22 July and came back from a goal behind to win the pre-season friendly.

Carlos Alcaraz made history at Bramley-Moore Dock by becoming the first player to score a goal at the Toffees’ new stadium to level the proceedings.

Garner subsequently scored an impressive free-kick as the Blues got off to a positive start in L5.

Everton midfielder James Garner
Credit: Imago

Garner should be first-choice set-piece taker for Moyes at Everton after free-kick v Port Vale

Garner should be the Toffees’ first-choice set-piece taker after what he did against Port Vale.

The former Manchester United ace shared responsibilities with Ashley Young, Dwight McNeil and Carlos Alcaraz last season in dead-ball situations.

CompetitionAppearancesAssistsMinutes played
Premier League2111595
Garner’s Premier League record last season.

Moyes could potentially now have a no-brainer decision to let the Englishman take responsibility at the Merseyside outfit during set-pieces.

While it may be sensible to let a striker like Thierno Barry or Beto take the penalties, the 24-year-old midfielder has shown he should have a say during free kicks and corners.

Moyes needs more quality transfers at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Moyes didn’t get off to the best of starts during pre-season, with the Toffees losing 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

The Blues then drew 1-1 against Acrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium, leading to some frustration from fans in L5.

Former Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers became the Merseyside outfit’s third signing of the ongoing transfer window after Barry and Alcaraz’s loan being made permanent.

Everton arguably need The Friedkin Group (TFG) to work faster and fund more additions for Moyes at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The Scottish manager has relied on several academy players during pre-season so far, and the Toffees arguably need more quality in their ranks.

Moyes doesn’t have much time left to fully integrate incoming transfers at the Merseyside outfit, with the opening Premier League game against Leeds United at Elland Road scheduled for 18 August.

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