Everton have enjoyed a long and rich history built on a steely work ethic and real quality.
Howard Kendall’s team of the 1980s was forged on these principles, and whilst the latter was in short supply under Joe Royle, his ‘Dogs of War’ still had that steely relentlessness instilled within them to retain their Premier League status and claim the FA Cup.
Well, Sean Dyche is the first manager in a while to regain that mindset on Merseyside, with his integration made so much easier by the plethora of stars he inherited already of that style.
James Tarkowski was one such example, who had featured under the 52-year-old for many years before moving to Goodison Park at Burnley.
The two share many core principles, and he has remained one of Everton’s most consistent performers since making the free transfer.
However, he was perhaps fortunate yesterday with one moment, as he took to opportunity to crunch into Moussa Diaby with delight.
It was a tackle that could have proven devastating, with Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp both questioning the need for it.
What did Roy Keane & Jamie Redknapp say about James Tarkowski’s tackle?
Speaking live on Sky Sports, later clipped up for their website, the former Manchester United midfielder would first note: ‘He knows what he’s doing, he gets the ball but he’s following through. He’s certainly out of control.
‘It could’ve been a penalty, but it might’ve been a bit harsh. We like defenders getting stuck in, but it’s full-force. He’s got the ball, they’ve had a look at it.’
Redknapp would concur, suggesting the centre-back was actually fortunate to have not injured his opponent: ‘It is excessive, it’s not a great tackle, you can see they’re the sort of tackles that can break someone’s leg. It wasn’t pretty.’
Should James Tarkowski have been booked for his tackle on Mousa Diaby?
Whilst he later poleaxed Alex Moreno by the corner flag with a meaty sliding challenge, that was arguably one of the cleanest tackles he could possibly have made.
Admittedly, the fact he had been complaining just seconds before suggests it was a frustrated, reactionary effort, but in the end he got pure ball and little of the man.
With Diaby, that was different.
Tarkowski has made a career out of towing the line with regards to his physicality and aggression, which Evertonians will know better than most.
After all, whilst Goodison Park has roared on many of his tackles in a royal blue shirt, they too were furious when the Englishman went driving into Richarlison to injure the Brazilian star.
The tackle on Diaby was nasty, made especially so as the Frenchman’s leg had been planted.
On another day, it could have spurred on the outcome that Redknapp suggested, and whilst Tarkowski can feel lucky to have walked away without a reprimand, the winger will feel lucky to have not suffered any lasting injuries.
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