Everton may need to drop James Garner as embarrassing footage shared online

James Garner is struggling massively this season.

The Everton midfielder was among the very best in the entire Premier League last season at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

There weren't many better at winning possession and dictating the pace of a game in the same position.

David Moyes knew that, and built his team around him.

But, this season, Garner has been nowhere near that level and that is an uncomfortable truth that isn't helping anyone.

Has it got to the stage where Everton and Moyes need to take action?

James Garner footage is nowhere near good enough

Everton made the difficult trip to North London to take on Premier League champions, Arsenal, on Saturday.

Losing 2-0 at the Emirates is no embarrassment at all, with several missed chances of their own, too.

But, Garner was one of those to leave with very little credit.

Footage is circulating around social media of Martin Odegaard running at the Everton defence, dancing around six of them before seeing his shot blocked by Jake O'Brien.

What's unforgivable is a lack of effort, and Garner was spotted hardly breaking a jog to get back and get stuck in on the edge of his box.

Rather than doing that, he actually allows him goalward.

Several Everton fans pointed out that it isn't the first time that's happened this season, and his England call-ups haven't helped.

James Garner by the numbers vs Arsenal

Last season, the midfielder was going consistently viral for just how many defensive contributions he was involved in.

This time around, he only managed five.

It wasn't as bad as the footage may prove, as he did win his only tackle, as well making two blocks and another couple of clearances.

Where it does get concerning, Garner only won two of his seven ground duels, and you simply can't do that against someone like Arsenal.

If you want to challenge the champions, you have to complete the basics, and that starts with the physical battle in midfield.

You can't be outrun, and you can't let your man go into space in your own third, or good players will take advantage.

If this continues, Moyes may not have a choice but to look at someone like Hayden Hackney, who will be desperate for a shot.