Tarkowski: Everton punished for defensive lapses vs Chelsea

Everton defender James Tarkowski has admitted his side were "punished" for defensive mistakes after a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

Pedro Neto scored twice at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with goals immediately after half-time and in the 90th minute settling a contest Tarkowski described as close.

"I thought it was a close game. There wasn't loads in it either way. I know they're a top side – especially in their attack. They've scored a lot of goals this season, but I thought for a lot of the game we dealt with that really well," Tarkowski told evertontv.

The England defender was candid about how both Chelsea goals were conceded. "We didn't manage to get numbers back in the box – and we got punished for it. The second goal, it feels a bit flukey at the time – to defend a free-kick so well initially, and then to fall at their lad's foot."

"We got punished, and it's a shame because I didn't think there was a lot in the game," he added.

Everton's defeat — their first of the 2026/27 Premier League season — leaves them preparing for a trip to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next weekend.

Tarkowski drew on the team's resilience from the previous campaign as grounds for optimism. "Last season, we dealt with setbacks pretty well and we always responded nicely, so let's look forward to next week against another top side. Hopefully, we can prepare well this week and put a performance in."