James Tarkowski made a big impact for Everton in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
David Moyes’ side slipped up against the Eagles to give themselves a huge amount to do to secure European football.
Which Everton player frustrated you the most against Crystal Palace? 😬
Another frenetic game saw the spoils shared, and Everton will be kicking themselves for not being more ruthless.
Tarkowski and Beto were both on target for the Toffees, but the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall spurned big chances in the capital.
Everton have it all to do now, and may well fall short.
But Everton do at least appear to have found themselves a big new threat in James Tarkowski.
James Tarkowski has become a big threat for Everton
Tarkowski gave Everton the lead today, tucking home neatly at the back post from Dewsbury-Hall’s corner.
The Englishman was poorly marked, but he made no mistake with the finish, showing a cool head to provide a finish like a striker.
And then, he actually turned provider in the second-half.
His ball forward found Beto, who latched onto it and spun Maxence Lacroix before finishing between Dean Henderson’s legs.
So that was two goal contributions for Tarkowski, meaning four involvements in his last seven matches for the centre-back.
As per Squawka, this is as many as he managed in his previous 93 combined in the competition.
Tarkowski has not had his best season since coming to Everton, with many feeling his level has dipped.
And today there were more instances of him struggling. Mateta finding so much space in the box to equalise was a worry.
Has that just ended Everton’s hopes of European qualification? 😫
More points dropped by the Blues… 😡
But the 33-year-old is seemingly becoming a greater threat in an attacking sense which is good to see.
It is in keeping with the theme of Everton having goalscoring defenders.
But Tarkowski ought to up his level defensively if he is going to remain a regular starter next season. Certainly, his partnership with Keane lately hasn’t looked especially inspiring.
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