James Tarkowski netted his first goal of the season for Everton on Tuesday night as the England international helped to record a 2-0 win over his old side Burnley.
The Everton No.6 rose highest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to head in a superb delivery from James Garner, setting the Toffees on the way to a timely victory after seven games without a win at home.
James Tarkowski seems to be a popular figure at Finch Farm as several Everton teammates flocked to Instagram to send him messages, including Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
What impressed you most about that win against Burnley? 👏
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall aims jibe at James Tarkowski after finally breaking his duck
Grealish posted “UP THE TARKSSS” along with two blue heart emojis after the 33-year-old finally broke his duck for the 2025/26 campaign, equalling his tally from last season.
Dwight McNeil – who shone against Burnley – also congratulated Tarkowski, calling him a model teammate in the comments section of his Instagram post.
Dewsbury-Hall was less complimentary towards the defender, joking that it was “bout time” he scored a goal this season after 28 Premier League games without one.
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Jake O’Brien also commented, calling Tarkowski a “bagsman” – someone who bags a lot of goals. We’re not too sure Dewsbury-Hall would agree with that!
Last but not least, Tom King – who sits behind Jordan Pickford and Mark Travers in the goalkeeping pecking order – responded too, simply posting an image of some bricks to emphasise how solid he thinks Tarkowski is.
Needless to say, squad morale seems to be high at Everton after David Moyes took the Toffees to within just five points of Liverpool in fifth.
James Tarkowski must love playing alongside James Garner this season
It was an immense cross from Garner to supply Tarkowski, and the Everton No.37 is quietly having one of the best campaigns of any Englishman in the Premier League this season.
The 2-0 win over Burnley saw Garner create five chances, the most he has ever recorded in one single Premier League match.
James Garner created five chances tonight for Everton, his most ever in a Premier League match.
Tonight’s assist also means it’s the first time in his Premier League career that he’s provided an assist in back-to-back matches (also assisting v Newcastle).#EFC | @Everton pic.twitter.com/7RNkUY95xT
— Aaron Barton (@Aaron__Barton) March 3, 2026
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Having also assisted Jarrad Branthwaite against Newcastle before the win over Burnley – a goal made by the intelligence of Tarkowski – the former Manchester United midfielder managed to record assists in successive Premier League matches for the first time in his career.
Is James Garner good enough to be playing for England at the World Cup? 🏴
Thomas Tuchel has not called him up to a squad yet…
ames Garner of Everton applauds during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux.
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside.
At the age of just 24 and with plenty of time on his side to get even better, Garner could well be one of the standout midfielders in Europe within a couple of years if he can maintain this current level.
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