Dogs of War 2.0? Everton midfield trio putting in the hard yards

There is something about this Everton midfield that reminds older supporters of Joe Royle’s famous Dogs of War. They’ll never be bettered, of course, but bear with me.

Harrison Armstrong, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Garner have brought energy, grit, determination and loads of running power to David Moyes’ side. The statistics help explain why Everton have climbed to seventh in the Premier League and reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Everton’s new Dogs of War?

According to FotMob’s running statistics, Armstrong is averaging 11.9 kilometres per 90 minutes, with Dewsbury-Hall and Garner both covering 11.2km. Armstrong’s contribution is particularly impressive for a 19-year-old in his first full Premier League campaign. The Premier League’s own figures show he covered 12.9km against Ipswich Town, one of the highest individual totals this season.

For Evertonians who remember the mid-1990s, the commitment brings back memories of Joe Parkinson, Barry Horne and John Ebbrell. That midfield provided the combative foundation for Royle’s side as they escaped relegation trouble and went on to win the FA Cup in 1995. They were more than willing runners, though, combining defensive discipline with the ability to disrupt opponents.

A midfield Evertonians can appreciate

Moyes’ current trio have a long way to go before comparisons with that achievement are even close to being justified, but their willingness to compete has been vital during Everton’s recent improvement. Armstrong’s energy, Garner’s defensive work and Dewsbury-Hall’s ability to contribute further forward have given the side a useful balance. They have also helped Everton cope with Idrissa Gueye’s absence, although running distances alone cannot measure everything a midfielder brings to the team.

The Dogs of War nickname belongs to a side that delivered Everton’s last major trophy, and it should not be handed out lightly. But Evertonians have always appreciated players prepared to work for the shirt.

Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall and Garner are giving them plenty to appreciate, and Friday’s home game against Coventry City offers another chance to show it.

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