Recap

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton: Garner’s Brilliance and Barry’s Clinical Finish Seal Vital Win for Toffees

In a gritty Premier League encounter at the City Ground on December 30, 2025, Everton secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to goals from James Garner and Thierno Barry. This result marked Everton’s second win over Forest this season, propelling David Moyes’ side to 28 points from 19 matches while leaving the hosts languishing in the relegation zone with just 18 points.

Everton’s Resilience Shines Through Injury Crisis

Everton arrived at Nottingham Forest’s intimidating City Ground hampered by a lengthy injury list that included key midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, and Idrissa Gana Gueye, with Charly Alcaraz and Michael Keane also ruled out just before kickoff. Despite these setbacks, David Moyes’ revitalized Toffees demonstrated remarkable resilience, extending their impressive away form with another clean sheet and victory on the road. This triumph not only completed the double over Forest—following a 3-0 win earlier in the month at what was referred to as Hill Dickinson Stadium—but also elevated Everton’s 2025 points tally to 59, a figure bettered only once since 2013.

Nottingham Forest, managed by Shaun Dich, were desperate for points to climb out of the bottom three, sitting fifth-bottom with a 5-3-11 record. The home side had their moments but struggled to break down a stubborn Everton defense, suffering a third successive Premier League defeat. The match, part of Matchweek 19, unfolded under the lights with Forest pushing early, but Everton’s tactical discipline and clinical counter-attacks proved decisive.

First-Half Breakthrough: Garner’s Moment of Magic

The game sparked into life on the 19th minute when James Garner, facing his former club, latched onto a precise through ball from Dwight McNeil and rifled a low drive into the far corner. This opener silenced the City Ground crowd and set the tone for Everton’s controlled performance. Garner, who had been outstanding throughout, showcased his quality with a composed finish that goalkeeper Matz Sels could only watch nestle into the net.

Forest responded with intent, creating chances around the half-hour mark. Nico Williams delivered a pinpoint cross that Morgan Gibbs-White headed wide, while James Garner’s corner was cleared by the Everton defense. Murillo and Douglas Luiz combined in promising positions later, but key interventions from Everton’s backline, including a stout performance from the injury-depleted defense, kept the scores level at halftime. Everton went into the break leading 1-0, having restricted Forest to few clear opportunities despite the home side’s possession dominance.

Garner’s goal was more than just a strike; it was a statement from a player thriving under Moyes. The former Forest academy product has been instrumental in Everton’s resurgence since Moyes’ return, blending midfield tenacity with moments of flair.

Second-Half Sealer: Barry Doubles Everton’s Lead

The second half saw Forest ramp up the pressure, with timestamps indicating activity around the 61st and 62nd minutes, likely as they sought an equalizer. However, Everton struck again with 11 minutes remaining when Garner’s sublime pass found Thierno Barry in space. The young forward, who had already scored against Forest earlier in the season, coolly slotted home his second goal in Everton colors to make it 2-0.

This goal effectively killed the game, with Forest’s efforts growing increasingly frantic. Notable incidents included a 90’+4′ blocked shot from Murillo, assisted by Douglas Luiz with a headed pass from the center of the box, but it was too little too late. Everton managed the clock expertly, with the match ending 90’+6′ with the scoreline intact: Nottingham Forest 0, Everton 2.

Key timeline markers from the match report highlight Forest’s substitutions and attacks at 45′, 72′, 75′, 79′, and 85′ minutes, but none yielded a breakthrough against a resolute Everton side that prioritized defensive solidity. Barry’s finish was clinical, rewarding Garner’s vision and underlining Everton’s threat on the break.

Standout Performers: Garner Leads the Charge

James Garner was the undisputed man of the match, scoring the opener and providing the assist for Barry’s goal, all while facing his boyhood club. His performance was lauded as “outstanding,” blending goal-scoring prowess with a sublime pass that carved open the Forest defense. Dwight McNeil deserves credit for the assist on the first goal, while Thierno Barry’s composure in front of goal proved pivotal.

For Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White showed flashes of quality with his headed chance, and Murillo threatened late on, but the team lacked the cutting edge to trouble Everton’s goalkeeper significantly. Douglas Luiz’s headed assist in the dying moments epitomized Forest’s desperation, but it wasn’t enough.

• James Garner (Everton): Goal, assist, midfield dominance – player of the match.
• Thierno Barry (Everton): Clinical second goal, building on his earlier strike against Forest.
• Dwight McNeil (Everton): Key through ball for the opener.
• Murillo (Forest): Late chance blocked, showed promise in attack.
• Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest): Headed wide from a good position.

Managerial Masterclass from Moyes Amid Forest’s Struggles

David Moyes continues to work wonders since his return to Everton, with this win keeping his side comfortably mid-table at 28 points (8-4-7 record). Fan reactions highlighted the “great job” Moyes has done, noting 28 points at the turn of the year as an excellent return, especially with another clean sheet away from home. Everton’s fight has been evident all season, turning potential crises into triumphs.

Contrastingly, Nottingham Forest’s third straight league loss deepens their relegation woes. With 18 points from a 5-3-11 campaign, the pressure mounts on Shaun Dich, who faced his old club Everton exactly a year and a day prior in a reversal of fortunes. Forest’s inability to convert possession into goals has been a recurring theme, leaving them battling at the foot of the table.

Broader Implications: Table Boost for Everton, Relegation Alert for Forest

This result sees Everton climb to a safer position, with teams like Crystal Palace (26 pts), Fulham (26 pts), Tottenham (25 pts), and Brighton (25 pts) trailing in the mid-table scrum. Top of the table, Aston Villa lead with 39 points from 19 games, followed by Liverpool (32 pts) and Chelsea and Manchester United (both 30 pts).

For Forest, the defeat intensifies their fight against the drop, as they sit precariously with rivals pulling away. Everton’s away victory underscores their credentials as spoilers, capable of grinding out results even when depleted.

The match was broadcast with highlights available across platforms, capturing the intensity from kickoff (KO) through to full-time (FT). Everton fans will relish this double over Forest, while the City Ground faithful head into 2026 with concerns mounting.

Key Match Stats and Incidents at a Glance

Event/Time	Details
19′	James Garner scores (assist: Dwight McNeil) – Everton 1-0.
HT	Everton lead 1-0.
61′-62′	Forest push forward, no goals.
79′	Thierno Barry scores (assist: James Garner) – Everton 2-0.
90’+4′	Murillo shot blocked (assist: Douglas Luiz).
90’+6′	Full-time: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton.

Everton’s victory was a testament to squad depth and Moyes’ tactical acumen, with Garner’s dual contribution stealing the show. Forest must regroup swiftly to avoid a prolonged relegation scrap. This Matchweek 19 clash will be remembered for the Toffees’ grit and Garner’s heroics against his old side.