Everton were straight onto the front foot at the City Ground, with Tyler Dibling’s probing causing particular problems for the Forest backline, while James Tarkowski directed an early header on target.
It wasn’t until the 10th minute that the hosts had anything like sustained pressure, though Callum Hudson-Odoi’s final ball only found Jordan Pickford.
The game ebbed and flowed at both ends for a short period before a wonderful ball in between the lines from Dwight McNeil found James Garner, and his crisp low drive into the corner left John Victor grasping at thin air, handing the Toffees the lead with his first goal since the second week of the season.
That goal sparked the hosts into life, but Igor Jesus’ headed effort and Omari Hutchinson’s dribble and shot were little more than half-chances. Despite Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson’s industry, Everton stood strong across their midfield, with opportunities therefore at a premium for Forest.
Forest were again the more purposeful of the two teams immediately after the break, with substitute Douglas Luiz quickly involved. Everton had barely got out of their own half as the hour mark approached, yet they’d still managed to contain their hosts with relative ease.
The Tricky Trees continued to knock on the door, but two air shots in quick succession from Anderson and Taiwo Awoniyi rather summed up their evening with 20 minutes to play.
Merlin Rohl’s physicality started to unsettle Forest’s backline as the game entered its final stages, and Tarkowski was left kicking himself for missing a towering header from four yards out, which would surely have made the game safe.
Shortly after, Garner’s sensational through ball to Thierno Barry ended with the striker coolly slotting home for his second Everton goal, both of which have come against Forest.
Another disappointing defeat means that Sean Dyche’s men have won just three of their last 14 home league games, whilst Everton have earned a victory in their last game of a calendar year for the first time in three years, and have moved up to eighth.
Flashscore Man of the Match: James Garner (Everton)