Everton duo named in Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week after win at Brentford

Everton duo James Tarkowski and Abdoulaye Doucoure have been named in Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week after Saturday’s 3-1 win at Brentford.

The pair put in a superb individual performances which stood out amongst what was a brilliant collective display away from home.

Indeed, Tarkowski provided an assist and a goal as well as making a crucial goal-line clearance, while Doucoure scored yet another crucial strike in an Everton shirt and supported £26m forward Beto in attack.

Writing on BBC Sport, Crooks named the Everton duo in his Team of the Week, stating: “Had it not been for an outstanding all-round display by Tarkowski, Everton would have been nursing another defeat. The former Brentford defender didn’t mind celebrating his well-taken headed goal against his old club either.

Brentford may have only lost one of their previous 18 home league games but that didn’t cut any ice with Everton. The nod down by Tarkowski was precise but the finish by Doucoure for Everton’s opening goal was superb.

It would appear a masterstroke by manager Sean Dyche to move Doucoure further up the field where his height and presence is clearly proving to be a problem for the opposition.”

Doucoure and Tarkowski stood out, but entire team performance was vastly improved

The victory was much needed and long overdue and with results elsewhere in the league going in Everton’s favour, the Blues lifted themselves out of the bottom three.

Dwight McNeil completing his first full 90 minutes of the season was another huge boost for Sean Dyche, with the £20m winger once again showing his value in this Everton side.

The 23-year-old’s sharp deliveries from corners caused the Bees issues, with Tarkowsi taking full advantage as Everton looked a threat from set pieces for the first time this season.

With home fixtures against Luton Town and Bournemouth next up for the Toffees, this feels like a real opportunity to get our season going.