Moyes Hails Beto Brilliance and Singles Out Garner as Everton Outclass Chelsea

David Moyes praised match-winner Beto following his decisive brace in Everton’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Chelsea, while also singling out James Garner as the standout performer on the pitch.

The Everton manager expressed his delight after seeing his side move to within three points of the top five, with Beto’s goals in either half proving crucial in securing a dominant win.

The Guinea-Bissau international has endured a challenging campaign, struggling at times to replicate the form that helped Everton steer clear of relegation last season. However, the 28-year-old delivered a clinical display, reinforcing his importance to the team despite recent speculation linking him with a move away during the January transfer window.

Beto opened the scoring with a composed chipped finish over Robert Sanchez after meeting an incisive through ball from Garner — a pass Moyes later described as “exquisite”. He added his second with a sharp effort that the Chelsea goalkeeper could only parry into his path, allowing the forward to convert and register his sixth Premier League goal of the season.

Moyes was full of praise for the striker’s overall contribution.

“I thought his all-round performance tonight was much improved,” he said.
“His link-up play was better, and to score twice in a match of this magnitude says a lot.
He is a fantastic player to work with — very humble and always striving to improve.
When you apply yourself like that, you earn your rewards. Tonight, he got exactly what his effort deserved.”

While Beto took the headlines, Moyes reserved special praise for midfielder Garner, describing him as the best player on the pitch by a clear margin.

“James was head and shoulders above everyone else today,” he added.

The Everton manager also highlighted other strong individual performances, suggesting Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unfortunate to miss out on the England national team squad, while commending goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for two outstanding saves to deny Enzo Fernandez.

Pickford’s display came as a timely response following criticism after the previous match, where he was caught out under a cross in a late defeat to Arsenal.

“He may have been slightly disappointed with last week,” Moyes said.
“But today, he certainly made amends. He is an excellent goalkeeper.”

Everton’s commanding performance underlined their growing momentum, as Moyes’ side continues to push towards a potential European qualification place.