Everton are languishing in 16th position after recording just one win from six matches
As Everton prepare to host Newcastle United at Goodison Park, big centre-back James Tarkowski feels the club has turned a corner. The Toffees pulled out of the
relegation zone last weekend, defeating Crystal Palace 2-1. This was their first victory in six matches.
And Tarkowski, who has been through relegation battles, point deductions, and other challenges since arriving at Goodison Park in 2022, believes the Toffees are
back on track. “It’s been the most testing time of my career in terms of issues in and around the football club, and it feels like it’s been one after another for a while,
but the matchdays are always very special,” Tarkowski told the club’s official website.
“If I had been younger, I believe I would have battled with the strain, since I understand how difficult it can be. Managing and playing under it is challenging.I enjoy
the pressure; I want it. I enjoy the pressure of going out every week and being expected to perform at a particular level. I want and expect that from myself.
“You want to thrive under such conditions. The expectations at this football team are understandably high. Everyone can see Everton’s history, and success is
expected. I understand how difficult the last few years may have been for those who have been fans of this team their entire lives. This is certainly one of the toughest
situations the team has been in in a while.
Tarkowski’s defensive partner Jarrad Branthwaite may miss today’s game due to a thigh injury sustained in training this week. The 22-year-old made his first
appearance of the season for Sean Dyche’s side last weekend, following groin surgery in the summer. Manchester United made two bids for Branthwaite this
summer, the highest being around £50 million, which was significantly lower than the Toffees’ valuation.
Despite the ongoing transfer talk surrounding Branthwaite, Toffees manager Dyche claims he is focused on playing football following a delayed start to the season.
“There is a lot going on for him outside of what we do, nothing to do with him [but] there are stories everywhere about him,” Dyche recalled.
“But he appears to be in good spirits and looking forward to returning to play. Except for his injury, he appears to be in good health. It’s no surprise that talented
players are associated with other clubs. I said he’d be staying here during the summer, and he is, so that’s excellent.”
Nathan Patterson, a Scotland international, is on the verge of returning to Everton but is not yet fit to play in the first team due to a severe hamstring injury. Long-
term absentees include Seamus Coleman (calf), Armando Broja (foot), and Youssef Chermiti (foot).
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