When James Garner, the 24‑year‑old midfielder for Everton Football Club, stepped onto the pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 5, 2025, he was one booking away from tying a disciplinary record held by Luka Milivojevic in the storied Everton‑vs‑Crystal Palace rivalry. The Toffees, guided by veteran manager David Moyes, were also fighting to keep their European hopes alive, while Oliver Glasner's Eagles looked to extend a modest lead in the Premier League table.
Background: A rivalry steeped in drama
Everton and Crystal Palace have met 27 times in the top flight since the clubs first clashed in 1992. The fixture has produced its share of nail‑biting moments – from last‑minute winners to heated exchanges on the touchline. According to a Sofascore graphic released ahead of the October clash, the two sides have generated an average of 3.4 yellow cards per game, the highest of any Premier League pairing in the 2024‑25 season.
For Garner, the statistical quirk is more than a footnote. He arrived at Goodison Park in July 2024 after a modest spell at Manchester United, and quickly became a midfield lynchpin. By the time the Palace game arrived, he had already collected three yellows in six league outings against the south‑London side – a tally that placed him on a collision course with Milivojevic’s record of four bookings in the same rivalry.
Match day: How the 2‑1 comeback unfolded
Crystal Palace opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Daniel Muñoz slipped a low drive past Jordan Pickford. Everton looked rattled, but David Moyes made a bold tactical shift at the break, moving Carlos Alcaraz onto the wing and giving Garner a freer roaming role.
The change paid off. In the 57th minute, Iliman Ndiaye pounced on a loose ball inside the box to level the score. Six minutes later, Garner sent a soaring cross from the right flank that landed at the feet of Thierno Barry. Barry’s near‑miss was the talk of the stadium, and BBC Radio 5 Live’s Alex Bruce summed it up: “What a fabulous ball from Garner… a striker’s dream.”
The winner came in the 81st minute when Jack Grealish tapped in after a clever one‑two with Ndiaye. The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 victory, earning Everton three crucial points.
Disciplinary drama: The unwanted "club" Garner almost joined
Had Garner received a fourth yellow, he would have joined the infamous "four‑booking club" for the Everton‑Palace fixture – a list previously occupied only by Milivojevic, who earned the dubious honour in a 2019 clash that ended in a 3‑2 Toffee win. The statistic lingered throughout the match, with each challenge from Garner raising the tension among fans and pundits alike.
Fortunately, the referee spared him a fourth booking, and Garner walked off the pitch with three yellows, keeping the record intact. The narrow escape was celebrated by the Everton faithful, who viewed the incident as a silver lining to an otherwise tense game.
Managerial praise and a national team plea
After the match, David Moyes was quick to highlight Garner’s contribution. In a post‑game interview, he said, “James has shown the kind of consistency and technical ability that England needs. I’ve spoken to Thomas Tuchel and urged him to give James a look.”
Tuchel, England’s manager since September 2024, has been under pressure to refresh a midfield that struggled in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Garner’s blend of energy, passing range, and defensive grit makes him a compelling candidate, especially as England prepares for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Expert analysis: What the performance means for Everton’s season
Football analyst Eddie Howe (now a pundit) noted, “Everton’s turnaround was built on midfield dominance. Garner’s ability to drive forward and deliver inches‑perfect balls creates a platform for attackers like Grealish and Ndiaye.” He added that maintaining composure under the yellow‑card threat shows mental strength often lacking in younger players.
Statistically, Garner’s 2025‑26 season up to that point includes 4 goals, 6 assists, and an average pass accuracy of 88%. His defensive contributions – 2.3 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per 90 minutes – rank him in the top 15 midfielders in the Premier League.
What’s next for Garner and Everton?
Looking ahead, Everton faces a tough schedule: a home clash with Manchester City on October 19 and an away fixture at Liverpool on October 26. Guardiola’s City side will test any midfielder’s defensive discipline, while a Merseyside derby could tip the scales for European qualification.
Garner will also be watching the England training camp closely. If Tuchel gives him the nod, the Toffee’s rising star could make his debut in the Nations League against Croatia on November 13, a match many commentators label a "potential breakthrough".
Key Facts
- Date of match: 5 October 2025
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium
- Result: Everton 2 – 1 Crystal Palace
- Garner’s disciplinary count after the game: 3 yellow cards
- Potential England call‑up: advocated by David Moyes to Thomas Tuchel
Frequently Asked Questions
How does James Garner’s disciplinary record affect his chances of playing for England?
While Garner’s three yellows in 10 Premier League games raise a flag, England manager Thomas Tuchel has stressed that technical ability outweighs occasional cautions. If Garner keeps his bookings low in upcoming high‑profile matches, his odds of a debut improve significantly.
What would a fourth yellow card have meant for Garner?
A fourth booking would have tied him with Luka Milivojevic for the most cautions in the Everton‑vs‑Crystal Palace rivalry, landing him in an unwanted statistical club that fans and commentators track each season.
Who scored the winning goal for Everton?
Jack Grealish headed home the decisive goal in the 81st minute after a quick exchange with Iliman Ndiaye, sealing the 2‑1 comeback victory.
What impact does the win have on Everton’s league position?
The three points lifted Everton to 12th place with 11 points from nine games, edging them closer to the UEFA Europa League spots and providing a morale boost after a string of draws.
When is England’s next match where Garner could potentially debut?
England faces Croatia in the Nations League on 13 November 2025. If Tuchel adds Garner to the squad, it would be his first senior cap.
