James Tarkowski has admitted that he actually enjoyed the bust-up that occurred following the full-time whistle during Everton’s win over Newcastle United.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the defender added that the scuffle was nothing more than ‘just handbags’.
James Tarkowski put on another solid performance on Thursday night as Everton came out 3-0 winners against The Magpies.
The centre-back won two tackles, three clearances and four interceptions as the Toffees claimed their fifth clean sheet in nine games.
The Everton faithful were in loud voice after the full-time whistle, though many players were distracted by the bust-up that ensued between the two teams.
The immediate aftermath of the game saw both sets of players arguing, with both Tarkowski and Joelinton dragged away by their teammates, while Jordan Pickford was also deep within the action.
While Joelinton looked very angry as he was forced down the tunnel, Tarkowski has played down the full-time drama.
He said: “I just enjoy pushing people around. I just saw it kicking off and got over there, pushed a few people, got off and had a smile.
“It was just handbags, and nothing ever happens. It is easy to go over there and give a little smirk and a push when you have just won 3-0. It was nothing and happens all the time on a football pitch.”
How important is James Tarkowski?
James Tarkowski is clearly one of many Everton players who are really enjoying playing football at the minute.
The 31-year-old has been an ever present figure under Sean Dyche, having made the most interceptions this season (26), the second-most clearances (57) and the most shots blocked (22).
Tarkowski has been part of a mesmerising transformation of the Toffees’ defence and has partnered Jarrad Branthwaite brilliantly, proving to be the perfect mentor for his teammate.
Everton are limited for options in central defence though. If either one of them picked up an injury then they could be in real trouble.
Michael Keane looked set to be a regular in Dyche’s line-up at the start of the season, but his performance in the defeat to Aston Villa showed that he was far from the quality needed.
With Vitaliy Mykolenko also impressing as of late, Everton’s defence is looking drastically better, but the lack of squad depth could cause problems in the latter stages of the season.
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