Steve Nicol blasts ‘Horrible’ Everton moment in Bournemouth loss
Steve Nicol blasted a “horrible” moment as Everton lost 2-0 to Bournemouth in the FA Cup at Goodison Park.
The Toffees conceded an early opportunity against Andani Iraola’s team before the visitors scored from the spot through Antoine Semenyo, and Daniel Jebbison doubled the lead after an error in defence.
James Tarkowski struggled in the fourth round of the competition, giving away the spot kick and misplacing the pass for the second goal.
David Moyes was unable to continue the Blues’ winning run after three consecutive victories in the Premier League.
Steve Nicol blasts James Tarkowski in Bournemouth loss
Tarkowski played a dreadful ball as Jebbison found the back of the net, Steve Nicol says.
The ex-Liverpool defender wasn’t pleased as the English centre-back gave the ball away in a dangerous area with his attempted pass.
Iraola’s team pounced on the mistake, and Jordan Pickford couldn’t do much about Jebbison’s shot after saving the first attempt.
Speaking on ESPN (8 February), Nicol said: “It’s a horrible attempted pass from Tarkowski. Bournemouth have done all this first half is jump on any mistakes. Pickford’s a little unlucky there. Gets the first block but can’t do anything about the second one from Jebbison.”
James Tarkowski struggles against Bournemouth
Tarkowski hasn’t had the best of seasons at Everton, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get axed in the upcoming fixtures.
Jake O’Brien has finally made it into the starting lineup after Sean Dyche hardly provided the young defender any minutes.
The summer signing has played at right-back under the Scottish manager, but this could be the chance to move him to the middle.
Ashley Young played at left-back for the Toffees against Bournemouth, but the veteran defender has mostly featured on the right since moving to Goodison Park.
O’Brien could partner Jarrad Branthwaite, with Young and Vitalii Mykolenko on the wings, but whether Moyes will opt for the change remains to be seen.
The main concern at the Merseyside outfit is avoiding relegation this season, and while being knocked out of the FA Cup will be disappointing, they can’t lose focus going forward.
With the Merseyside derby on Wednesday (12 February), the Blues must be at their best against Liverpool.