Dyche cannot afford to make James Tarkowski mistake for Everton v Bournemouth
Sean Dyche is facing the most pivotal period of his Everton career.
In the view of The Esk (31 December), the Blues boss is running out of time at Goodison Park after the 2-0 loss against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (29 December).
Despite impressive results against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, the Toffees will travel to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday (4 January) and must leave the Vitality Stadium with the three points secured.
For Dyche to be successful in his mission and potentially save his future on Merseyside, he must make a bold decision regarding James Tarkowski.
Sean Dyche cannot select James Tarkowski for Everton v Bournemouth
The 31-year-old forged a formidable partnership alongside Jarrad Branthwaite last term – Everton only conceded 51 Premier League goals, a feat bettered only by Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, Tarkowski is proving to be a severe liability at Goodison Park this year, and it is only a matter of time before his antics cost the Blues.
He was fortunate to remain on the pitch against Nottingham Forest following his lunge on Chris Wood while already on a yellow card.
Furthermore, it is not the first time he has been at the centre of a controversial decision this season – he avoided conceding a penalty kick after a challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace on 28 September.
Tarkowski has already accumulated four yellow cards this year and arguably should have more to his name, and his inability to remain composed is a serious cause for concern.
With Dwight McNeil set to be absent for the trip to the South Coast, Everton must rely on their defensive resilience and threat from set-pieces to snatch a victory against Bournemouth – and with Tarkowski on the pitch, Dyche runs the risk of going down to ten men at any given point.
Jake O’Brien has seen his first-team opportunities limited this season, but he should be considered for the nod on Saturday – this decision could ultimately decide Dyche’s future at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, Micah Richards reacts to the latest controversy at the Toffees.
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