James Tarkowski: Everton players were left disappointed at Arsenal cancellation
James Tarkowski says the Everton dressing room wanted a challenge and were left disappointed after the Arsenal game was cancelled.
Tarkowski has been an instant hit at Goodison Park since his move from Burnley in the summer. With the help of fellow signing Conor Coady, Everton have kept the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season.
It shows how much performances have improved this season under Frank Lampard, and Tarkowski has revealed that the Toffees squad was looking forward to challenging themselves against league-topping Arsenal.
The fixture ended up being cancelled as a result of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, but Tarkowski revealed that the squad’s reaction alone shows the attitude of the team right now.
Speaking to Everton’s official website, Tarkowski said: “When the Arsenal game was called off, there was a feeling of disappointment.
“Arsenal have been playing really well and the Emirates is a tough stadium to go to, so to be disappointed that game’s called off, we’re obviously thinking, ‘We must fancy ourselves to go to there and do well’.
“We were desperate to get back playing again and against West Ham we went out there and performed.
“People are excited to be training and looking forward to games. So far, there have been very good signs.”
A positive atmosphere
Last season’s survival has seemed to galvanise the fans and players at Everton, and after the struggles and lows of the previous campaign, there seems to be a buzz and a positive atmosphere around Goodison Park.
New signings have come and made an instant impact, with Coady and Tarkowski in particular earning plenty of plaudits.
But Lampard also deserves credit for instilling a fighting mentality into the squad. Even when not playing particularly well, the team has produced spirited displays – and that’s enough to get the fans off their seats.
Confidence is starting to grow in both the fans and players, and there’s still so much to come from this side.
While there may have been disappointment around missing the Arsenal fixture, there’s a number of difficult fixtures on the horizon, starting with a tricky trip to Southampton.
Following that, back-to-back games against Manchester United and Tottenham will give the Everton players a great chance to test themselves.