'Skirting the line' - Journalist raises Everton problem as 'Reckless' ace continues to struggle

Joe Thomas has become increasingly worried about James Tarkowski’s performances in an Everton shirt this season.

The 31-year-old has started all 10 of the Toffees’ Premier League matches so far this season, often partnering with Michael Keane in the centre of defence due to Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury.

However, the centre-back has already picked up three yellow cards in that time, with two of them coming in the last two games, and Thomas believes the player could be struggling for fitness or confidence.

Speaking via the Royal Blue podcast on YouTube [4 November], Thomas said: “Tarkowski has been working through fitness issues, which has been problematic. And now we’re seeing him make decisions that we haven’t seen him do in the last 2 years.

“Whether it’s struggling for fitness, struggling for confidence, or not having Jarrad Branthwaite next to him, I think he’s skirting the line. It was a terrible tackle on Cameron Archer. I don’t think it was quite a red card but it was an awful challenge.

“It was also Tarkowski who gave away a needless penalty on Sandro Tonali against Newcastle United. It was just reckless. Then, Mateta faced a heavy challenge against Crystal Palace. He won the ball and it wasn’t a foul, but it was really strong. It’s like he feels the pressure to become more of an enforcer.”

James Tarkowski struggling in recent Everton performances

The entire defence has struggled so far this season, with Sean Dyche’s conceding the seventh-highest number of goals in the division despite boasting an incredible record last term.

Only Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal conceded fewer goals in the 2023/24 campaign, but with Branthwaite absent for the first few games of this season, it has been rather difficult to retain that form.

Now, Dyche looks to have a new issue on his hands with Tarkowski, who looks a shadow of a footballer from the one that Goodison Park witnessed last season.

Fans often applauded the centre-back’s calmness on the ball, no-nonsense defending and leading nature at the back, but he is becoming more of a problem for the Toffees as the games go on.

Following the 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday 2 November, it is clear that something needs to change, with only four points separating them from the relegation zone right now.

In other Everton news, West Ham are in the hunt to sign a forward who John Textor wanted to bring to Goodison Park.

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 'Skirting the line' - Journalist raises Everton problem as 'Reckless' ace continues to struggle appeared first on Goodison News.