David Moyes was quizzed over why James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite were not in the Everton squad for their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: David Moyes, head coach of Everton, issues instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
David Moyes issues instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England
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David Moyes chose not to provide details over the absence of his first-choice centre backs after Everton’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Neither James Tarkowski nor Jarrad Branthwaite were named in the matchday squad at the Emirates. On Friday, Moyes had hinted the former was in contention - though he was clear the 23-year-old’s availability was dependent on the advice of medics, with his workload being managed following his return from a hamstring injury that cost him the first five months of the season.
On Tarkowski, the Blues boss also declined the opportunity to provide details over his absence. The veteran had started every Premier League game this season ahead of the trip to north London.
Asked by the ECHO whether he could provide any information about why the pair had missed the game, Moyes simply said: “I have nothing to say about them.”
When asked whether the issues that stopped them from playing a role had emerged late in the week and disrupted his plans, the manager provided the same response.
Before the game Moyes had adopted a similar approach when asked by Sky Sports, telling the broadcaster: "We’re missing two centre-halves today but we’ve also got two who have done really well. It shouldn’t make too much difference, hopefully."
While Branthwaite’s availability had been an open conversation heading into the game, the ECHO understands Tarkowski’s absence came on the eve of the game, with team-mates only becoming aware the 33-year-old would not be involved on Friday.
In their absence, Moyes turned to Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien, who were partnered together for the first time since they led Everton to a clean sheet in the win at Newcastle United on the final day of last season.
Both were excellent as the Blues appeared set for a point before late goals from Viktor Gyokeres denied them a positive result at the home of the Premier League leaders. Record-breaking teenager Max Dowman then added a second in injury-time.
On the performance, Moyes said: "I'm gutted. We've done such a good job from all periods in the game and just missed out.
"No disappointment regarding performance or how the players went about it or their effort, nothing like that, we just missed out in the last few minutes."