James Tarkowski, Joey Barton
Credit: Imago
Edward Bazeley
Thu 3 April 2025 18:40, UK
Everton saw their nine-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League come to an end after the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
On Thursday, the PGMOL acknowledged that James Tarkowski should have been sent off for a late tackle on Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
However, the defender was only shown a yellow card by referee Sam Barrott, before Diogo Jota went on to seal a 1-0 win for Arne Slot’s men.
David Moyes was left disappointed that Liverpool’s goal stood and felt that Luis Diaz was offside.
Tarkowski was lucky to escape a sending-off against Liverpool (Credit: Imago)
Joey Barton outraged by Tarkowski developments
While even Toffees supporters may admit that the defender should have seen red, Joey Barton offered a different view on Tarkowski’s tackle.
James Tarkowski stats Premier League 2024/25
Appearances 30
Tackles won % 63.3
Duels won % 68.1
Pass accuracy % 81.8
Assists 1
Goals 1
Tarkowski has been solid at the back for Everton
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
On his Merseyside Derby live stream via the Common Sense with Joey Barton channel on YouTube [2 April], the former Manchester City midfielder said: “What a tackle.
“That’s a properly good tackle that. You know what, VAR is going to send him off.
“He’s going to get sent off here, VAR is going to upgrade this. He’s took the ball first, VAR is going to upgrade this.
“It’s a proper tackle in the Derby, play on. He’s going to get sent off, I’m telling you he’s going. It’s momentum, what are you meant to do?
“You can’t tackle like that anymore because of VAR. Normally, that’s play on, not even a foul.”
Thankfully, VAR saw it differently and didn’t recommend a review at the time.
Moyes and Everton face Arsenal next (Credit: Imago)
Everton may find it tough to bounce back from Merseyside Derby defeat
The Toffees have proven themselves as a tough side to beat since Moyes returned to Goodison Park in January, and have still lost just one of their last 10 Premier League games, despite their defeat to Liverpool.
However, a series of tough matches are on the horizon for the Blues, who host second-place Arsenal on Saturday before facing consecutive encounters with Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta’s men, now bolstered by the recent return of England international Bukayo Saka, could prove too strong for Moyes to get the better of on 5 April, albeit the Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League title have all but vanished.
The Toffees are yet to win since their 2-1 triumph at Crystal Palace on 15 February, but their meeting with Forest on 12 April could prove just as difficult as their upcoming clash with Arsenal.
Thankfully, Tarkowski will be available for those huge upcoming fixtures in the Premier League.
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