James Garner helped Nottingham Forest end their 23-year absence from the Premier League by playing a key role in their 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
The Manchester United youngster —who has spent the duration of this season on loan at the City Ground club — played a key role in helping Steve Cooper's side come out on top on their first visit to Wembley since losing to United in the 1992 League Cup final. The central-midfielder provided the assist for the game's only goal, with his cross into the penalty area being turned home by Huddersfield defender Levi Colwill for an own-goal.
Garner, who has excelled this season, was aiming to pick out midfield partner Ryan Yates, but it was turned home by Colwill before the Forest academy graduate had chance to get a touch to the ball. The United youngster had earlier gone close to claiming an assist, seeing his brilliant cross headed just wide by Yates.
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Although Garner is renowned for venturing forward from midfield and looking to create chances, he also showed his defensive ability in the first-half, flying into a handful of challenges. His most eye-catching tackle was when he stopped Danny Ward from venturing into the penalty area after he'd snuck in behind the Forest defence.
It was a brilliant challenge and showed Garner's ability to track back and help out his defenders. He also largely bossed proceedings in midfield, producing a much-improved performance to the one he delivered in the play-off semi-final second-leg against Sheffield United almost a fortnight ago.
Having been a shining light throughout a fairytale season for Forest, it is fitting that it has ended by him helping the club return to the Premier League — an achievement that was nothing short of a dream after the club found itself bottom of the league after their first eight games this season. They have been transformed since Steve Cooper took charge in September and Garner has played a huge role in their success.
The Birkenhead-born midfielder will be aiming to try and impress Erik ten Hag this summer, in a bid to become a first-team regular at Old Trafford next season. He made 48 appearances for Forest this term, scoring four goals and registering 11 assists.
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