Ashley Williams blasts ‘lazy’ Everton player for mistake he made vs Manchester United

Everton gifted Manchester United the win yesterday, as two penalties proved to be the difference in a 2-0 loss.

Across a season that has been defined by their lack of success with officials, last week actually marked the first penalty they had been awarded all campaign. Naturally, in typical Toffees fashion, Beto would miss from 12 yards.

And yet, against a team who have a historically notorious fortune with the referees, that would separate the sides.

Few could argue with either penalty though, even if the first saw Alejandro Garnacho tumbled over with immense ease.

Despite that, Ashley Williams was left disappointed with the rash nature of James Tarkowski’s challenge.

What Ashley Williams said about James Tarkowski

Speaking live on BBC’s Match of the Day, the former Everton centre-back first took his time to praise the way in which the Toffees started the game.

Lauding their front-foot philosophy, which once again resulted in numerous chances forged, it was a story that fans have become all too accustomed to.

Having squandered these opportunities, they were always bound to be punished.

What makes it so cruel is the manner in which that sanction came, with Tarkowski’s foolishness in his own box proving pivotal. Williams noted: ‘Now we highlight Garnacho, if we just keep eyes on him, he runs in the inside channel which is a nice clever run, but there’s no danger and Tarkowski’s just so eager to try and win the ball.

‘He dangles a leg which is a little bit lazy defending when he could just keep him where he is and he gives a penalty away.’

How did James Tarkowski play vs Manchester United?

The ease with which Garnacho was sent sprawling to the ground, rolling around and holding his leg before springing up to celebrate what he had done was infuriating.

It’s everything that is wrong with modern football, effectively conning the referee into thinking the incident was more severe than in actuality.

He pumps his fists to the Old Trafford crowd, knowing full well that the most minimal of contact has resulted in a golden chance to take the lead, at Tarkowski’s expense.

However, the towering centre-back hardly had the best of afternoons regardless of that incident, with his defensive interventions surprisingly minimal.

He would make just one block and two interceptions all game, whilst failing to make a single clearance or tackle. As such, he won just one of the six ground duels he competed in, suggesting he was run somewhat ragged by United’s front three, via Sofascore.

For someone usually so composed and calm at the back for Everton, this marked an uncharacteristically rash outing for the 31-year-old.

However, being forced to be the side in the ascendance due to the tactics of the hosts was a position that the Toffees are very unfamiliar with, given their average possession this season in the Premier League has been 40.1.

Regardless, it marked a disappointing showing from Tarkowski, who struggled to help solidify what was an all-around solid display from the rest of the side.