'Poor' - BBC pundit can't believe what he saw Everton player do in loss v Southampton

Shay Given slammed James Tarkowski for his “poor” challenge on Cameron Archer for Everton in the loss against Southampton on Saturday.

The 31-year-old received a yellow card after he wiped out Archer following a quick set-piece routine with the scoreline goalless at St Mary’s [2 November].

Given, however, believes Tarkowski should consider himself fortunate and slammed the Blues defender live on BBC Final Score [2 November, 3:27pm] for giving referee Andy Madley a decision to make.

He said: “Well they’ve took a quick free-kick and its rolled into Archer and he’s just knocked it round the corner.

“I don’t know what Tarkowski’s thinking at this point because I know he’s got a yellow card but I think he’s actually got away with one.

“He’s gone clean through the back of Archer and I’ve seen red’s given for less. You think of how important this game is as well for Everton, away from home at Southampton – he’s given the referee and the VAR and opportunity to send him off and I think it’s a poor tackle.”

Everton continue to struggle defensively without Jarred Branthwaite

Adam Armstrong broke Evertonian hearts with his 85th-minute strike to give Southampton a first win in the Premier League a third of the way into the campaign at the Toffees’ expense.

Sean Dyche made the subjectively wise decision to leave Jarrad Branthwaite out of the starting lineup on Saturday but it has blown up massively for Everton.

The 22-year-old is undoubtedly the best defender at Goodison Park and while his long-awaited return to the side has been delayed for another week, the Blues cannot afford to leave the centre-back out of the side any longer.

Tarkowski is fortunate the VAR officials opted against a check on his foul on Archer and not for the first time this season, as he was “lucky” not to concede a penalty in the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace for a challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Meanwhile, the less said about the defensive abilities of Michael Keane the better, albeit he is proving to be far more useful on the opposite end of the pitch after his goal against Ipswich Town.

Regardless, Everton are in a precarious position in the Premier League as the relegation zone appears to be far away. But after dropping more crucial points, Dyche’s men can easily be pulled back in.

The current centre-back partnership of Tarkowski and Keane is not good enough if the Toffees wish to ensure they have a smooth ride in the league this season. Branthwaite absolutely must start against West Ham United next weekend barring any further setbacks.

In other Everton news, a takeover delay update was issued by Alan Myers as a November claim has been shared for the Blues.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Poor' - BBC pundit can't believe what he saw Everton player do in loss v Southampton appeared first on Goodison News.