How Tarkowski and Everton can tame the goal-threatening Chelsea FC

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players that can make the difference in Gameweek 17.

Team analysis: Everton

In the last 10 rounds of Premier League games, Everton have been the strongest defensive unit in the division.

Sean Dyche’s men are in incredibly solid form, having conceded just seven goals and keeping six clean sheets in that period.

This should boost the confidence of the home fans at Goodison Park ahead of the home game against the division’s top scorer Chelsea.

Let’s analyze why the toffees are so difficult to break.

Defend in numbers

Dyche organizes his team very well even without the ball, ensuring that they are rarely outnumbered.

His 4-2-3-1 shape easily converts to a 4-5-1 shape, and two of his three units work closely together to reduce space for rivals seeking space.

These two examples of goalless draws at Arsenal and West Ham United show how compact they can be, limiting the space between the lines very effectively.

With nine outfielders behind the ball and a strong focus on staying close to each other, they are good at forcing opponents sideways and backwards.

Not just a low block

It would be wrong to describe Everton as a team that always “parks the bus” on the edge of their own penalty area.

You also enjoy defending with conviction and joy in more advanced areas.

Only four teams apply more pressure in the middle third than Everton, who typically ask the man closest to the ball to harass the receiver.

The back four will huddle together in such moments, but as a well-coordinated team it is unusual for Dyche’s side to be surprised by a high line.

Tightness is an important part of their composition, with their three central midfielders and wingers positioned closely together and blocking passing lanes along the spine.

They need to get a handle on this aspect of their game against Chelsea, which will be trying to lure them in to slip a forward pass into Cole Palmer or Nicolas Jackson.

In situations like this, especially when combined, this Blues duo is exceptionally dangerous.

Even when it comes to pressing or counter-pressing in the final third, Everton doesn’t shy away from it.

There are 10 Premier League teams who have had less possession of the ball in this area than the Toffees.

Left-sided striker Iliman Ndiaye is very good at defending from the front.

Whether it’s winning the ball back after a press or running back to pick up loose balls, Ndiaye is a valuable player off the ball, making life easier for the players behind him.

PL players with the most possession won 24/25

Notably, Ndiaye ranks third in the division in regaining possession, just one ball recovery behind Chelsea’s excellent defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Although Ndiaye will be frustrated at having only scored two goals so far, his role in the team is crucial.

Better chemistry

Fit-again Jarrad Branthwaite has made a positive difference for Everton, who have kept four clean sheets in five games since regaining his place in the starting XI.

The 22-year-old doesn’t post better individual stats than Michael Keane, but as a partnership he and James Tarkowski work very smoothly together.

If Branthwaite and Tarkowski are in the starting line-up as a pair, Everton are the better team with their clear communication and consistently correct distance play.

Key man: James Tarkowski

Everton know they can rely on Tarkowski, one of the most reliable centre-backs in the division.

The 32-year-old often thrives in the toughest tests and grows in stature when his team comes under pressure.

He played on the right of Branthwaite at Arsenal last weekend and made three blocks and seven clearances in a feisty performance.

This great block from Bukayo Saka in the first half prevented the Gunners from scoring safely.

At home to Newcastle United, in another 0-0 draw, Tarkowski made ten saves, won three tackles and was successful in ten of eleven duels in the air and on the ground.

His understanding of the game and willingness to put his body in the way of shots make him a key player for the Toffees this weekend.

As these numbers (below) prove, Tarkowski is one of the Premier League’s most dominant centre-backs when it comes to protecting his own penalty area.

Tarkovsky’s 24/7 defensive stats

If you want to see what this looks like in visual form, here is the Everton star’s defensive action map for 2024/25.

When Chelsea throws hopeful balls into the penalty area, Tarkowski will enjoy it.

Tarkovsky Defense Actions PL 2024/25

Pickford’s good home record against Chelsea

Jordan Pickford has secured five home wins against Chelsea in their last six meetings at Goodison Park.

Everton and their number 1 team will be confident of another positive result.

Pickford put in an excellent performance against Arsenal, making five saves including a great reaction stop to deny Saka.

However, a sign of how well Pickford is protected can be seen in the number of saves he has had to make from shots inside the penalty area.

He has made just 29 saves from close range, while 10 other goalkeepers, including David Raya and Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez, have had to make more saves from inside the box than Pickford.

Given Everton’s recent defensive performance, Chelsea won’t find it as easy to create clear-cut chances as they have recently.

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