Out Of The Woods

Everton produced a gritty, backs-to-the-wall performance to come up with an impressive 2-0 away win at Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest. Forest tried their best to stamp their authority on the game; but their strategy of playing crosses in from the flanks was not a good one; as James Tarkowski & Jack O'Brien dealt with everything thrown their way. It also didn't help Forest's cause that their main striker was Igor Jesus; slightly smaller & less of a threat than the bigger Chris Wood.

The win was all the more impressive considering Everton were down to their bare bones due to injury issues & the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations; with their best players such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye; Carlos Alcaraz; Michael Keane & Idrissa Gueye all missing in action. Jack Grealish though; was fit enough to be on the bench & gave a useful outing in the final half-hour or so. Credit also to new boy Tyler Dibling; who gave a good account on the right flank & is now looking the part after his big-money move from Southampton in the summer.

Another new boy getting good is striker Thierno Barry. Far from the bumbling start he made; he is now looking strong; winning challenges in the air and even scoring goals such as this one. He even looks happy when substituted off. But Everton's most important player currently could well be James Garner. The former Manchester United man has slowly become their chief midfielder; orchestrating things both offensively & defensively. And his all-encompassing display today; with both a goal & assist; just added to his growing resume. At the end of the day; Everton's sterling display ensured they did not miss the Forest for the trees.