Everton have yet to lose a Premier League game this season, although twice they have needed a goal deep into stoppage time to keep that record intact.
James Tarkowski rescued David Moyes’ side against Bournemouth before Ainsley Maitland-Niles repeated the trick eight days later against Manchester United. Without those two late equalisers, Everton’s home record would look rather different heading into the international break.
It’s not always been comfortable, but Everton have found a way to stay in games. Their defensive record under Moyes has given them that chance even when the football hasn’t quite clicked.
Tarkowski at the heart of Everton’s resilience
James Tarkowski produced the first escape against Bournemouth away, converting from a set piece when Everton appeared to be heading for defeat.
There was some satisfaction in the manner of the goal, too. Everton had identified Bournemouth’s vulnerability from set pieces before the game and eventually found a way to exploit it.
Maitland-Niles then struck with virtually the final kick against Manchester United to secure another point. Two defeats had become two draws in the space of little more than a week.
Tarkowski’s contribution has extended well beyond his goal. According to Squawka, the centre-back has won 39 of his 47 duels in the Premier League this season, giving him the best success rate among players to have contested more than 15.
Those numbers fit with what Everton have needed from him. Moyes’ side have not always created enough at the other end, but have generally remained competitive long enough to give themselves a chance of taking something.
The Liverpool Echo picked out Everton’s unbeaten home record among the reasons for optimism heading into the break. The wider point is that goals have not been plentiful… that’s obvious. And it’s never ideal to have to rely on late heroics – from anyone. But as long as the defensive numbers hold up, this team will continue to pick up points.
There has been no shortage of late drama already. Tarkowski and Maitland-Niles have made sure that, for now at least, Everton’s unbeaten Premier League record at the Hill Dickinson survives.
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