Leon Osman, Everton badge, Chelsea badge
Leon Osman reacts to Everton v Chelsea moment. (Credit - Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Sun 22 December 2024 15:51, UK
Leon Osman was surprised officials did not take more action against Axel Disasi for a challenge on James Tarkowski as Everton drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Frustrations boiled over in the game at Goodison Park on 22 December after Tarkowski went down in the Blues’ penalty area after tangling his legs with Disasi, who told the centre-back to get back up on his feet following shouts for a penalty, with both players shoving each other.
Osman, who used to ply his trade on Merseyside, dismissed shouts for a penalty although he thought there was contact on the Toffees captain, but noticed something else on second viewing.
The pundit pointed out how Disasi nudged Tarkowski in the head with his shin after the clash and, having had a second look, is surprised more was not done after the controversial moment.
“He’s not happy, James Tarkowski. There was a tangle of legs, you see, the same kind of tangle of legs that led to the free-kick that was given”, Osman said on the Premier League Productions‘ world feed (22 December, 3:13 pm).
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“James Tarkowski takes that tumble, there was contact, Disasi wasn’t looking and didn’t know.
“There isn’t an awful lot in that after seeing it again. Certainly words were said.
“Oh, he just nudged past him. After seeing it again, I see why James Tarkowski isn’t happy.
“Yes, there is the tangle of legs and he just nudges him in the head with his foot there, his shin, Disasi.
“Actually, you do that kind of thing and you just catch someone in the head… I’m surprised there wasn’t more action.”
Osman surprised James Tarkowski did not react to Axel Disasi in Everton v Chelsea
The incident between Tarkowski and Disasi was perhaps a significant moment in the game as tensions evidently boiled over.
While the Everton star was clearly unhappy with his Chelsea counterpart, it was a surprise he did not react more angrily after he was shoved in the head as Osman said.
It was also a surprise that the referee kept his cards in his pocket despite the two players briefly clashing.
That, though, does not mean the 32-year-old was a calm figure as he went on to make a strong challenge in the middle of the pitch seconds later.
Picture of James Tarkowski
Everton defender James Tarkowski. (Credit: Imago)
Tarkowski was heavily involved in the game and it is perhaps a surprise to some that he was not booked at any point.
The former Burnley man was, nevertheless, instrumental as the Toffees followed their draw with Arsenal last weekend with a positive result against Chelsea this time.
In other Everton news, the TFG’s arrival could leave the door open for this player to leave in the January transfer window.
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