Everton’s James Tarkowski witnessed a momentous return as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Blues’ number nine, emerged from the bench to score his first goal from open play in nearly a year, writes the LiverpoolEcho. Calvert-Lewin’s pivotal strike secured a resounding 3-1 victory over Brentford, marking Everton’s first Premier League win of the season.
Calvert-Lewin’s journey to this triumphant moment has been fraught with numerous injury setbacks over the past couple of years, limiting his appearances on the field. Tarkowski acknowledged the challenges his teammate faced, highlighting the collective delight of both players and fans at witnessing the 26-year-old’s long-awaited return to the scoresheet.
Tarkowski stated, “I think you could see the reaction from all the lads. We know what he’s been through, so just glad to see him back out there, fingers crossed he stays fit and keeps scoring us. We can only do so much (to help). I’ve been lucky with injuries the last few years, but I know what it’s like to go through, and it’s a difficult time in any player’s career. To see him back fit and out there scoring, it’ll feel great and hopefully that continues.”
The match saw Tarkowski make a significant contribution himself, as he rose to head home a corner-kick delivered by Dwight McNeil, restoring the visitors’ lead after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s opener had been canceled out by a goal from Mathias Jensen. Tarkowski humorously quipped about his prowess in the air, remarking, “With a head my size, I should be heading the ball like that! Nice to score a goal, but we’ve been threatening this for a while, and it was about time we put the ball in the back of the net and got the win.”
Everton had previously struggled with set-pieces, a concern acknowledged by manager Sean Dyche. However, Tarkowski echoed the manager’s sentiments and stressed the importance of their performance against Brentford in this aspect of the game. He highlighted their collective effort to improve set-piece execution and capitalize on the team’s strengths.
Tarkowski, one of the experienced figures in the squad, also expressed his admiration for his younger defensive partner, Jarrad Branthwaite, who is only 21 years old. He praised Branthwaite’s composure, technical prowess, physical attributes, and potential for a successful career in football.
The victory against Brentford marked a turning point for Everton, as they secured their first Premier League win of the season after several attempts. Tarkowski believes that previous results did not fully reflect the team’s performances. He attributed their success to meticulous planning, a strong mentality, and effective execution on the field.
In conclusion, James Tarkowski’s optimism for Everton’s future is fueled by the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the team’s recent performance against Brentford. With newfound confidence and a commitment to improvement, Everton aims to build on this victory and make a significant impact in the Premier League.