I saw £100k-a-week Everton star prove why he is by far Sean Dyche’s most important player

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In what was a game that few expected Everton to win, the players gave a spirited display that shocked the away supporters and offered that sliver of hope which was eventually snatched away.

The Toffees fell to a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, with two late strikes from Erling Haaland proving to be the difference.

His first, a thunderous finish after a penalty-box scramble, forced Sean Dyche’s side to push forward. Then, with the space vacated, he would stride through on goal, bully Jarrad Branthwaite, and seal all three points.

Hardly a surprising conclusion to the match.

But, there were still plenty of positives to take, as the 52-year-old manager named an unchanged line-up from last weekend’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur, detailing the trust, and lack of options, he boasted for the early kick-off.

However, whilst Ben Godfrey again impressed as a makeshift full-back, and Dwight McNeil was as tireless as ever down the flank, James Tarkowski continues to shine above all else.

James Tarkowski starred for Everton

With Branthwaite’s youthful naivety being woefully exposed for the second goal, his experienced partner’s true qualities were only emphasised.

After all, for all the plaudits the 21-year-old has received, it cannot be forgotten that this remains his first full year playing Premier League football.

For Tarkowski, this is his seventh.

And it really shows in his play, as an experienced leader with intelligence, aggression and awareness in abundance.

Making a whopping eight clearances, two blocks, one interception and one tackle, his solidity was integral in silencing the hosts for so long, via Sofascore.

And, this was not a particularly outstanding display by the £100k-a-week star’s standards anyway, only further outlining his importance to the side.

Given he still boasts their highest average rating for this league season thus far (7.31), such consistency has been of paramount importance to maintaining belief throughout what has been an arduous campaign.

Without him, this side would likely be well adrift now, and thus he remains one of Everton’s greatest acquisitions in recent history, signed on a free transfer.