Moyes says Everton star was ‘the best player on the pitch’ against Chelsea – and hails supporters’ role in the victory | OneFootball

David Moyes says Everton midfielder James Garner showed exactly why he has been called up for England with his performance in the win over Chelsea.

Garner played a pivotal role as two goals from Beto and another from Iliman Ndiaye gave Everton a 3-0 win.

“Jimmy Garner was the best player on the pitch, head and shoulders, and he’s up against so many players who will go to the World Cup and so many players who play international football,” Moyes said.

“His pass for the first goal was exquisite. I thought the levels of the players he was playing against tonight, he was always going to be judged to see how he could perform.

“I think he’s taken that on greatly. He’s taken it as a challenge and I thought tonight, the way he played, his endeavour to recover the ball back, his speed to recover the ball back is another side of his game which we need because we don’t always have the ball as much as the likes of Chelsea.

“That level of performance isn’t just tonight, that level of performance has been there and that’s why he’s been called up (for England).”

Moyes was also full of praise for the Everton fans, and says his players rose to the occasion they created.

“I think the players realised the importance of the game and the importance of us trying to win a couple of big games before the end of the season, so tonight was a big game,” he said.

“The crowd made it feel like a big game. It was a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium, it was more like Goodison than we’ve probably had in any other game.

“Big thanks to the supporters for the the part they played in helping us today.

“For Everton to even be in the mix for Europe is unbelievable, whether it be the Conference League or the Champions League. It would be amazing when you think of the troubles (Everton have had).

“This time last year we were just beginning to edge ourselves away from relegation. We still had lots of money to pay off as well, new ownership, 10 or 12 players out of contract. So for us to be in this position now is great and I hope we can stay in the top half of the league by the end, that would be great.

“But we’ve got our eyes on something else.

“We’re going to have to win some more big games and I’m going to need the atmosphere and the crowd to play a big part.”