Mike Dean believes James Tarkowski should have been sent off for Everton in their Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest. In the 45th minute of the Toffees’ game against the Tricky Trees at Goodison, the centre-back went into a challenge on Chris Wood while already on a yellow card. The former Premier League referee believes the defender should have seen red after being cautioned earlier in the game for a tackle on Ramon Sosa. On Sky Sports News (December 29), Simon Thomas asked: “Do you think it should’ve been more Mike?” Dean replied, “Yeah, it’s a simple precaution. He took out the player first, and then he got the ball.
For me, this is a clear second yellow card, and he should not be on the field.” James Tarkowski has a nightmare in Everton v Nottingham Forest. Tarkowski had a nightmare against Nuno Espirito Santo’s club, as he was responsible for surrendering the game’s first goal, and Morgan Gibbs-White scored the second to complete a 2-0 triumph for the visitors. Chris Wood got a ball over the top and easily passed the Blues captain before beating Jordan Pickford to the goal.
Sean Dyche has Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien at his disposal at the Merseyside club, but has relied on Tarkowski. Jarrad Branthwaite has been a constant in Everton’s starting lineup since his return from injury, and it appears that the 53-year-old head coach has his preferred defensive pairing. The Toffees had been good defensively in recent games against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, but they failed to keep Forest out at Goodison Park.
While Dyche deserves credit for the recent successes, the Blues cannot afford to drop points because they fear relegation. The Merseyside club has more difficult games ahead of them in January and must rediscover defensive consistency.
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