‘Brilliant’ – Kevin Campbell & Ray Houghton stunned by Everton star v Liverpool
Kevin Campbell and Ray Houghton stunned by James Tarkowski moment for Everton v Liverpool
Kevin Campbell and Ray Houghton were left stunned by James Tarkowski’s double block for Everton early in the second half against Liverpool.
Sean Dyche’s side were beaten 2-0 in the first Merseyside derby of the campaign, thanks to goals from Mohammed Salah as the Toffees were unable to build upon their 3-0 win over Bournemouth before the October international break.
The defender twice managed to deny Salah and Ryan Gravenberch in quick succession in the 52nd minute at Anfield as the Toffees attempted to keep Jurgen Klopp’s side out after Ashley Young’s sending-off in the first half.
Speaking on talkSport (13:42) Houghton said: “Brilliant from Tarkowski twice, because Branthwaite lost his footing and that gave the chance for Salah, but he just threw his body in the line of the strike, not once but twice.”
Campbell was quick to agree saying: “Great defending, there by Everton, put bodies on the line, couple of good opportunities for Liverpool but Everton matched the shots.”
Proper defender
For Everton to be successful this season, they are going to need their defenders to perform at the biggest moments of matches as too often in recent years the Toffees have conceded soft goals that have left them with mountains to climb, especially in the biggest games.
Tarkowski has been integral to Dyche’s side so far this season and when fit he’ll start nearly every match for the Toffees as he is capable of standing up in the most decisive moments in games, just as he did to deny Salah and Gravenberch on Saturday.
He may not be the most exciting of defenders and Tarkowski certainly has his limitations on the ball, but as an old-fashioned defender, there are few more reliable than the former Burnley man and if he can make the sort of interventions he did against Liverpool, he could well keep the Toffees up.
Unlike Young, the 30-year-old centre-back was able to navigate the rest of the match whilst on a yellow card and while ultimately the Reds managed to find the all-important winning goal, the scoreline might have been greater without their captain’s intervention.
