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# Moyes finds new solution to old transfer question as Garner replacement emerges

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 26 Jul
- **Club:** Everton
- **Original URL:** https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-moyes-finds-new-solution-34352710

The club confirmed ahead of kick-off that James Garner had undergone surgery on a groin problem that would leave him in a fight to be available for the start of the campaign.

In a much-needed boost, however, Jarrad Branthwaite returned to the pitch for the first time in four months and appeared to come through his display unscathed. Here, Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas takes a look at some of the other talking points from the match.

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It's as simple as 1-2-3.

Everton’s priority in the transfer market remains the addition of a specialist right back. Until that happens, Moyes will be forced to look at different schemes to make the best use of the players at his disposal.

The move to three centre backs at Bolton was his latest effort and had obvious positives. Merlin Rohl and Adam Aznou provided an attacking threat down each flank, while the pace of centre backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien allowed the defence to push forward and gave space for James Tarkowski to seek positive forward balls.

The wing backs did leave space that would have been better exploited by a Premier League side and it is hard to imagine a sustained improvement without a natural right back, but this at least showed a willingness to try something different and it was a system that did have some clear benefits.

Aznou had a good game at Dundee last week and his first half outing at the Toughsheet Stadium was another positive one.

Not only was he eager to take the ball and carry it forward, he showed an ability to produce an end product by placing several good crosses into the box. He also linked up well with Thierno Barry.

Barry did not get his goal but was Everton’s best player. He produced a mature display that saw him protect possession, get on the end of crosses and link up play consistently well. He should have scored late in the first half, instead placing his effort too close to Jack Bonham, but his all-round display was one that should give Moyes confidence he is ready to take on more responsibility in his second campaign in the Premier League.

Moyes was frustrated by how few good chances Everton created from set-pieces last season, particularly given the aerial presence in the squad. His solution, judging by the corner at Bolton, was to try short corners that created better crossing angles for the likes of Dwight McNeil. While Everton did not score from any of these, they did cause trouble in the Bolton box and could be a useful avenue to explore through the rest of pre-season.

Garner’s injury is an obvious blow for Everton, but there is plenty of competition in the heart of midfield. Harrison Armstrong stood out again in his second start of pre-season and, while the emergence of Hayden Hackney will represent a challenge, is making a strong case for greater involvement in the first team this season.

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