Everton’s performance against Crystal Palace was one to be proud of, laced with determination and an unrelenting steely resolve. However, it was far from perfect.
The two goals they shipped were frustrating and largely avoidable, as the first saw Eberechi Eze, the hosts’ outstanding threat, allowed to run unchallenged into their box before being bundled over.
However, that moment did not even come close to the calamity that was the second goal, as the Toffees were weathering quite the storm from the Eagles.
Whilst they pushed hard for an equaliser, they were yet to actually carve open Sean Dyche’s men. That was, until a moment of pure madness from James Tarkowski, in which he allowed a looped ball to bounce inside the six-yard box despite being underneath it for an easy header.
Whether he received a shout or not, it should have been thumped to safety regardless, and instead Odsonne Edouard was allowed to steal in and make it 2-2 from close range.
Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith would lambast the moment on Soccer Saturday, stating: ‘I’m not too sure what Tarkowski’s doing for the goal. I think Edouard’s onside.’
How did James Tarkowski play vs Crystal Palace?
Despite his immense lapse of concentration, which was a moment completely out of character for the 30-year-old colossus, it marked yet another fine showing for the centre-back, who defended with power and poise to limit the hosts.
It is a testament to his impressive performance that Sofascore still handed him a 7.2 rating, of which only three of his teammates received higher, all of whom were goalscorers.
Such a figure was upheld by his dominant defensive figures, with the £100k-per-week titan managing three blocks, two interceptions, five tackles and a mammoth eight clearances, whilst also making a sole last-man tackle too, via Sofascore.
With a sprawling array of key interventions, it’s no surprise that one poor moment has not undone such a stunning afternoon at the back.
Tarkowski is fast becoming one of Everton’s most important players now, as a man desperate to continue evolving despite his age. Yesterday’s win over the Eagles only emphasises that claim despite Smith’s vocal condemnation of his 73rd-minute blunder.
Fortunately, it did not prove costly, with Idrissa Gana Gueye sparing his blushes with a late winner.
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