James Tarkowski says he was surprised Everton’s first-half goal was disallowed by referee Stuart Attwell and believes there are positives to take from the Blues’ 1-0 season-opening loss to Fulham.
During the 35th minute of the Toffees' first game of the 2023/24 campaign, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno came to claim a cross in the Cottagers’ penalty area. After the initial catch, the German shot-stopper dropped the ball after falling onto Tarkowski. Capitalising on the loose ball, Michael Keane slotted the ball into an empty net, but the referee blew his whistle to disallow the strike for what he said was a foul by Tarkowski.
Despite a strong first-half display from Sean Dyche's men, Bobby Decordova-Reid’s goal in the second 45 minutes ensured the visitors took all three points back to London.
Speaking after the game, Tarkowski, who captained the Toffees, expressed his confusion at the decision to disallow Keane's effort.
“I think the referee was the only person in the stadium who didn’t think it was a goal,” said the Everton defender. “Their goalie didn’t think it was a foul, all their team didn’t think it was a foul, and it was only the referee who thought it was.
“I’m allowed to be there (challenging the goalkeeper). He comes for the ball and drops it. I didn’t hit it out of his hands or anything – he just dropped it. I don’t see how it can be given as a foul.”
Everton dominated throughout most of the game, registering 19 shots to Fulham’s nine. The Toffees recorded an expected goals (a measure of their quality of chances) of 2.93, while Fulham had 1.48.
Further illustrating the unlikeliness of the result, the defeat to Fulham was just the third time since 2003/04 that Everton have had as many as nine shots on target in a Premier League game without scoring.
Despite acknowledging disappointment, Tarkowski believes there are plenty of positives to take from the game.
“Yes, it is frustrating,” he admitted. “I understand the frustrations from the crowd and from ourselves, but I’m also quite pleased with the performance.
“We made a lot of chances – probably the most since I’ve been here, to be honest, and really good chances. We kept them to minimal chances themselves, besides the goal, so lots and lots of positives. It’s early in the season and we can be pleased with how we played, besides putting the ball in the back of the net.
“We feel fit and we’ve worked really hard. It’s been a tough pre-season, so we’re physically and mentally ready to go. It’s a disappointing result, but we can be pleased with a lot of the work we did.”
