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How James Tarkowski stopped James Garner getting seriously hurt in Everton vs Manchester United

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Published on:

08 Sep 2026, 10:10 am

James Garner has not enjoyed the start to the season he would have wanted with Everton.

It all started in pre-season when injury hit at the worst possible time.

Everton confirmed that Garner had a groin issue and underwent surgery on the problem at the end of July.

David Moyes was then without his star midfielder for the start of the Premier League season.

Garner missed the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, but did return against Preston in the Carabao Cup.

Moyes admitted it was a little earlier than planned, and that could have backfired against Manchester United.

How James Garner could have been hit again

When returning to action early, the possibility of the injury or new issues recurring are always higher.

Garner started in the action-packed 2-2 draw against Man United on Sunday, but was replaced after 75 minutes.

It worked out well, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hayden Hackey both coming on at that time in a double substitution.

Both were involved in the two goals, but it could have been so different.

Tom Long, a recruitment expert and player scout, revealed on X that Garner was clearly hurt before going off.

The situation with James Garner yesterday was embarrassing. Tarkowski shouting at Moyes while Garner was clearly hurt summed it up. Stepping back, Röhl has been a liability at right back this season. For Spurs, Moyes has to resolve the situation with O’Brien. Defensively, Everton…
— Tom Long (@ScoutTom_) September 7, 2026

He shared that James Tarkowski had to literally shout at Moyes to get him to realise the issue right infront of his eyes, calling it "embarrassing".

David Moyes can't complain

The transfer window ended with only 18 fit senior players at Everton.

While that is a disgrace and the Friedkin Group need to be called out for the actions of themselves and Angus Kinnear, others need to help themselves.

Moyes clearly isn't doing that.

How Angus Kinnear reacted to James Garner setback in Everton vs Manchester United

With Christian Norgaard already injured, the last thing we need is another issue for Garner in the heart of midfield.

While depth is an issue in certain areas, midfield isn't one of those, with Hackney a perfect rotation option off the bench, or even starting.

Moyes can complain all he likes, but if he doesn't protect his players when he has the chances to, his squad will only get worse.

Garner going off when he did hopefully means that he'll be fine to continue in the coming games before the international break.

James Alan Tarkowski