Tarkowski On Defensive Pride & Winning Prediction

James Tarkowski is confident Everton can turn their impressive defensive showings into winning form over the coming weeks – and says he’s “proud” of the team’s recent resilient performances.

Sunday’s goalless draw against title-chasing Chelsea marked the Toffees' seventh clean sheet across their past 10 Premier League matches, with the Blues also earning a shutout against Arsenal the week before.

After halting high-flying Chelsea, who arrived to Goodison having picked up eight consecutive wins in all competitions, Tarkowski reviewed the action from a well-deserved point.

“We’re defending really well, keeping clean sheets,” he told evertontv. “So, for me as a defender, it's something I'm very proud of the team because it's tough against these sides. They create a lot of chances against a lot of teams and score a lot of goals.

“It means we can be proud and that's not just the back four and goalkeeper, that's everyone. I always feel like we can [compete with best teams]. It's been an up-and-down time over the last couple of years but when we're on form, playing well and defending the way we are, we'll compete with anyone. And today shows that again.

“I think we will win games at some point if we keep keeping clean sheets because we'll find a way to score goals in very minor details. I think the set-pieces need to be a little bit better because we were a big threat from them last year.

“But, as a team, if we keep defending like that, we will definitely win games in the coming weeks.”

A visit to the Etihad Stadium follows for Everton, who take on Manchester City on Boxing Day in a 12.30pm (GMT) kick-off.

The hosts have struggled for form of late, losing nine of their past 12 games in all competitions, and Tarkowski, although backing his side to produce a result, knows the team will need to be at their best to overcome Pep Guardiola’s title-holders.

“I don't think I'll be banking on three points right away!” he acknowledged. “We've got a lot of work to do against them. But I fancy us. We're defending well and hopefully goals can start coming, and if we keep keeping clean sheets, they will do.”

It’s been a historic week for Everton, with the Club’s takeover announced on Thursday, while the next day saw Everton formally taken control of their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Reflecting on a positive past few days, Tarkowski added: “I think as players we always just concentrate on the here and now, but the future is so exciting for everyone.

“But like I said, we always focus on game by game, so my next job is to recover and get ready for Boxing Day.”