James Tarkowski outlined Everton’s European ambition after a stellar 2-0 win over Burnley at home.
Tarkowski scored the opening goal for the hosts at Hill Dickinson Stadium, rising highest to meet James Garner’s floated free-kick into the box. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall grabbed the insurance goal in the second half to complete consecutive wins for the Blues this week.
After wins over Newcastle United and Burnley, the Toffees are eighth in the league table with 40 points. With just nine Premier League games remaining, they are a point off seventh and two points from sixth position.
“We’re right in touching distance of the European spots,” Tarkowski said after the game.
“There are nine games to go, so [we need to] stick some wins on the board and see where we end up. We’re chasing the teams above us rather than looking below.”
Tarkowski scored his first goal in an Everton shirt since THAT equaliser against Liverpool at Goodison Park last season. “I don’t score enough, so I’m pleased with [the goal],” said Tarkowski, speaking after the game.
“We’re pleased to get a win here. Our away form’s been incredible, but we’ve not got enough points here. Today, [we’ve got] three points and a clean sheet.”
The Toffees have been hugely impressive on the road this season, picking up 24 points in the Premier League on their travels with only table-toppers Arsenal accumulating more points (29) during that period.
However, their recent home form had been lean. The win over Burnley was Everton’s first at home since the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on December 6.
Asked about carrying the spirit of Goodison Park into the Blues’ new world-class waterfront home, Tarkowski responded: “It’s already been here, to be fair.
“We just let ourselves down in a few games, conceding rubbish goals. But today, two goals and a clean sheet – I can’t be happier.”