Everton vs Liverpool: What James Tarkowski told Chris Kavanagh about Blues fans before kick-off
Everton star James Tarkowski was seen praising supporters ahead of the clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
David Moyes‘ side were looking to go two points behind their arch rivals in the first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 19 April.
The atmosphere was electric in L3 as Toffees fans welcomed the coach, and a banner was organised by the 1878s fan group.
The Blues have struggled to generate an atmosphere in their new stadium at times this season, but that was not the case as they prepared to take on the Reds.
Everton fans were in full voice as the sides prepared to enter the pitch, and Tarkowski could not help but point it out to Chris Kavanagh.
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What did Tarkowski say about Everton fans?
Kavanagh has not been Everton’s favourite referee in recent years, he booked Moyes for his celebrations after the late draw with Brighton in January.
Tarkowski was keen to make his feelings about the supporters clear to the man in the middle in the tunnel, though.
Freelance reporter Paul Brown claimed on 19 April that he appeared to tell the 40-year-old official that it was “the best I’ve seen it” after he pointed to the stadium.
How has the game gone so far?
Given the form before the game, it was a perfect opportunity for the hosts to put a real marker down on their European ambitions.
The Reds had won just three of their last 10 matches in all competitions coming into the contest, meanwhile, Moyes’ side had won five of their last 11 games, and only lost three in that time.
They had chances to open the scoring, with Beto and James Garner both testing Giorgi Mamardashvili in the early stages.
| Everton vs Liverpool stats at half-time | Everton | Liverpool |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots | 5 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 2 | 4 |
| Touches in opp box | 9 | 6 |
| Big chances | 2 | 1 |
Iliman Ndiaye then thought he had put his side in the lead, which sent the atmosphere to another level, but his strike was ruled out by a VAR check, as Jake O’Brien was deemed to be offside in the build-up.
They may well pay for not taking them, as Mohamed Salah put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute, with his ninth in the derby.
The Toffees can be proud of their performance, they have been the better side, but they need to come away with something to show for it, in the second-half.
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