James Tarkowski ‘absolutely defiant’ as Everton ‘blues brothers’ secure big win at Nottingham Forest raves Henry Winter
James Tarkowski was “absolutely defiant” in a “big win for Everton” at Nottingham Forest according to a stunned Henry Winter.
The Times journalist reacted on Twitter after the vital 1-0 victory on 2 December to hail some of the key “blues brothers” who had helped eek out the three points against Steve Cooper’s side.
He branded James Garner “outstanding”, and keeper Jordan Pickford “huge” with some key saves, as he was full of praise for Sean Dyche’s men after they got off the mark in clawing back their 10 deducted points.
Winter wrote: “Big win for Everton. Garner outstanding. Tarkowski led by example, absolutely defiant. Pickford takes risks but passion for the team and saves are huge.
“Dyche has EFC well-organised and full of fighting spirit, blues brothers on a mission, with points to prove.”
Did what was necessary
The three points were all that mattered at the City Ground after having played relatively well at Goodison Park against Manchester United and come away with nothing.
It took a beauty from the boot of Dwight McNeil and strong performances in every area of the pitch, as well as some luck as VAR opted not to intervene on a penalty shout for Forest which Jamie Redknapp branded “blatant” on Sky Sports.
Dyche and his players came away with the win they needed, and on the balance of play surely deserved, although this season has made very clear that one doesn’t necessarily follow the other.
Pickford and Tarkowski were doing whatever it took at the back to preserve the clean sheet which was always going to be crucial to the victory, even if it meant turning against each other at one point during the chaos.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the spending situation off the pitch and the punishment that has arisen from it the players aren’t responsible and have seen their much-improved form this season go out the window.
To be dumped into the bottom three from the relative comfort of mid-table without kicking a ball will have been demoralising, as would the 3-0 defeat by United when the Toffees had put together a decent performance, so a win that displayed a lot of fight on the road should be very encouraging for the Everton fans.
In other Everton news, a leading sports lawyer has given the club a positive verdict ahead of their appeal, as he says they “tend to be successful”.