Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea on Saturday.
David Moyes picked a defensive side, and clearly it led to a lack of creativity in the final third, with Merlin Rohl not able to capitalise on a few openings on the right wing.
Everton fans were also very critical of Moyes’ substitutions, as he refused to bring on Tyler Dibling and instead subbed on Brennan Johnson.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Toffees, but one player in particular can hold his head high after a superb performance.
It's a first defeat of the season for Everton as they lose 2-0 to Chelsea 😡 Give us YOUR reaction 👇
@1974rim I don’t see ‘service’ as the main issue. Barry has missed 2 or 3 sitters in the last 2 games. Not good enough. We all know that.🔵💙IYKYH
We don't have to focus on playing without a 9 cause we already are but given what we're being served up with on the wings it won't matter
There has to be something going on between moyes and dibling how a player gets MOM against Ipswich let's see iff he gets his chance week after that 2nd half performance
Everton’s James Tarkowski was immense vs Chelsea
James Tarkowski had one of his best performances in a blue shirt today and didn’t deserve to be on the losing team.
Tarkowski made a couple of excellent carries out from the back and was dominant in his duels, winning five on the ground and five in the air.
The 33-year-old looked every inch of an England international on that pitch, and his Sofascore statistics certainly amplify his brilliant display.
90 minutes
67 touches
11 carries
5 ground duels won
5 aerial duels won
3 recoveries
3 clearances
1 interception
1 blocked shot
1 key pass
Tarkowski even made one key pass, so on another day, he could’ve come away with an assist to his name.
He spoke to Everton’s media team after the game and urged his teammates to remain positive ahead of a trip to the Emirates Stadium next weekend.
“It was our first defeat, so we can’t be too down,” Tarkowski explained.
“It’s a long season. You’re going to suffer setbacks at times, and this is one of them. Last season, we dealt with setbacks pretty well and we always responded nicely, so let’s look forward to next week against another top side.
“Hopefully, we can prepare well this week and put a performance in.”