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Tarkowski's Belief Good Times Are Ahead

James Tarkowski says a burgeoning belief is developing at Everton – and is confident the team’s solid defensive structure and dynamic attacking talent can see the Blues swiftly climb the Premier League table.

Next up for Everton is clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal, and Tarkowski says the squad will approach the match with total confidence they can get record a positive result.

Centre-back Tarkowski has played every minute in the top-flight so far this term and consistently displayed his class and authority.

His 33 clearances place him third in that category in the Premier League, while his awareness and intelligent positioning is highlighted by the fact only four players have made more than his 12 interceptions.

Tarkowski was a key part of an outstanding collective effort against Liverpool last time out and he explained how Everton will seek to build on that display when they visit Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The 29-year-old told evertontv: “We have a great manager and staff who put a plan together on how to deal with teams and how we can affect them going the other way.

“It was implemented against Liverpool, and you saw that with the chances we created and the way we defended. We need to do the same again.

“We have some real talent in forward areas, and we’ve also got the structure behind them to try to stop the ball going in our goal.

“The togetherness is so important, as well as the quality, and we’ve got a very good group. If we can show that consistently, I think we’ll get plenty of points on the board.

“We’re working on our build-up play from the back and we’re showing that more and more.

“We’ve got some top, top players and I think the additions we’ve brought in recently will definitely help the group.

“I look forward to the season ahead because there’s a real feel-good factor around here.”

James Tarkowski
We have some real talent in forward areas, and we’ve also got the structure behind them to try to stop the ball going in our goal.


Tarkowski was one of eight summer signings made by Everton during the summer transfer window, with the Blues completing their business with the deadline-day arrivals of Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner.

While midfield talent Garner was not ready to make his Blues debut in Saturday’s derby showdown, Gana impressed in a substitute appearance – passing with precision and purpose, while helping thwart Liverpool attacks with smart defensive work.

Striker Neal Maupay, meanwhile, worked relentlessly for the cause on his Everton bow – covering a match-high 11.1km during the game and posing a consistent attacking threat.

“It’s been pleasing window and you can see the additions have all got something to give to the group,” Tarkowski said.

“Gana’s been here before, so he’s slotted in very easily, and I thought he was brilliant when he came on against Liverpool.

“Jimmy Garner is young, he’ll learn and I’m sure he’ll fit in well.

“Neal’s an experienced player and he’s been at this level for a while. I thought he had a very good debut. He was really unfortunate not to score, their keeper made a great save from him.”

Tarkowski has played against the tireless Maupay on several occasions and, asked what type of opponent the Frenchman is, he laughed: “Annoying! He’s difficult to play against, he’s not the biggest but he gets his body in well.

“He’s a goalscorer. He always gets himself in a goalscoring position. With time, I’m sure he’ll score plenty for us.”