James Tarkowski believes Everton produced their best performance of the season in Monday night's win over Newcastle United. The victory at St James' Park was Everton's first away win of the season, coming just four days after they eliminated Newcastle from the Carabao Cup.
Thierno Barry's second-half strike proved decisive, but David Moyes' side were worthy of more than a single-goal margin. Tarkowski, however, stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet above all else.
Defensive record under Moyes
Since David Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, only Arsenal (31) and Manchester City (28) have kept more Premier League clean sheets than Everton's 20.
The Everton captain said: "I think it was probably our best performance of the season, I thought we were terrific in the first half and could have scored two or three."
Barry's resurgence
Barry's goal was his eighth of the season, and he credited his summer work for his improved form. "I just worked a lot during the summer and now we can see the result," he said. "The season is long but I'm happy to help the team with my goals."
Asked about his new celebration, the forward added: "Like I say, I want to enjoy more than last season and I enjoyed my celebration so I am happy."
Barry also singled out Newcastle's defenders, saying: "I think Dan Burn and Fabian Schar were the most difficult defenders I have faced this season because they are really strong but for the striker you just need to score and I won my duels today so I am happy."
Newcastle frustration
Newcastle were booed by their own supporters, with Dan Burn acknowledging the fans' discontent. "Disappointed, frustrated. Much of the same in the last few games - between the boxes we do OK but we're not ruthless enough going forward or defending our own box," he said.
Burn added: "When you're not winning games there's always a lack of confidence. The fans weren't happy. They have shown that at half-time and full-time. That doesn't make it easy to build confidence when you're in that atmosphere. But I've been a fan so I understand the frustrations when they're not getting what they're expecting."
Everton now turn their attention to Friday's match against Coventry, with Tarkowski noting: "A clean sheet is massive for us. It's a long old season. We take it game by game but tonight feels good and we can look forward to Friday."
