James Tarkowski slammed after 'absolutely reckless' Everton scenes vs Arsenal
Everton captain James Tarkowski has been criticised for his actions in the 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday.
The Blues were comfortably defeated at the Emirates Stadium through goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel.
Tarkowski was booked after 79 minutes in the contest, the third Blues booking in North London.
Vitalii Mykolenko and James Garner were also cautioned as the Toffees tried desperately to fight back.
The nature of Tarkowski's booking has come under fire, as a former top-flight star has hit out at his antics.
Often playing on the edge, it's no surprise, either.
What was said about Everton star James Tarkowski?
Tarkowski went right through the back of Kai Havertz and was rightfully shown a card as his frustrations boiled over.
He caught the Gunners star on the heel while also getting the ball, which was always going to be given.
Ex-Blues winger turned pundit Pat Nevin slammed him in the aftermath of the incident, in his commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
He said: “Absolutely reckless from Tarkowski.
“He’s a big, strong defender and that’s just the way he plays but you can’t go through the back of people.
“No argument, he actually walks across and apologises.”
It is harsh criticism, but given that the caution could come back to haunt Tarkowski later in the season, it is valid.
How close is Tarkowski to a ban?
Tarkowski is now on two bookings after his yellow against Chelsea and the one against the reigning champions.
The five-booking deadline, which sees players get a one-match suspension, runs until the 19th match of the season.
That means that he has 11 matches to try and avoid three more cautions, which does not provide too much encouragement for his prospects.
That is especially true given the fact that he has picked up two in his last two matches, after going six games without one.
The last thing that Moyes' side need is their skipper to be missing for a match as a result of his discipline.
He needs to stop picking up unnecessary cards if he is to avoid a ban in the near future, which would harm his side tremendously.
It is a worrying trend that Moyes will be keen to stamp out in the next few matches, with Jarrad Branthwaite's injury issues already giving him problems at the heart of the defence.