Everton make the trip to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby this weekend and defender James Tarkowski has fired a warning to the Blues rivals.
Everton preparing for trip to Liverpool
David Moyes' side drew 0-0 at home to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, in what was a respectable result, but also one that could have been better for the hosts.
Next up for Everton is a huge game against local rivals Liverpool at Anfield this weekend, as they look to be the first team to take points off the Premier League champions this season.
Beto in action for Everton
The early signs in 2025/26 suggest that the Blues could cause the Reds problems, with Moyes and his players having all week to prepare, while Liverpool have midweek Champions League commitments.
Memories of Tarkowski's unforgettable late equaliser for Everton at home to Liverpool last season are still fresh, and it appears as though the Englishman is raring to go ahead of a massive occasion.
Tarkowski bullish ahead of Liverpool-Everton clash
Speaking to the club's official website, Tarkowski fired a subtle warning to Liverpool ahead of this weekend, saying Everton are only "going to get better" this season.
"I think we're going to get better. We're going to keep progressing, keep improving with the players we've got here - there's some very good players on the bench who haven't been used today who I think can be very exciting for us.
James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford
James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford
"We've took on Villa and I know they've not had a great start to the season, but I think they're one of the best teams around. So to put a performance like that, to sort of dominate for most of the game, just despite we didn't get the goal in the end.
"[We're] slightly disappointed that we didn't win, but as a defender, it's a clean sheet – and I thought as a team we defended really solidly well throughout the game and kept a team with very, very good forward players to very little chance."
Tarwowski has every right to be in positive mood ahead of the Liverpool match on Saturday, considering the promising start Everton have made to the new season.
After losing to Leeds United on the opening weekend, the Blues have responded impressively with seven points from three games, with Jack Grealish flourishing on loan from Manchester City and Moyes continuing to thrive in his second spell in charge.
Form can so often go out of the window in Merseyside derbies, with Everton taking points off Liverpool plenty of times in recent times, and while they will clearly be underdogs this weekend, Blues supporters should feel confident heading into the game.
The Reds may have maximum points, but they have needed late goals in all four matches to win their games, and if Moyes' men can quieten the Anfield crowd early, they will have a good chance of picking up a positive result.