Jake O’Brien echoes David Moyes’ post-match thoughts as ‘disappointing’ Everton admission made..
Jake O’Brien was speaking following Everton’s Premier League defeat to Man City.
Jake O’Brien echoed the thoughts of David Moyes as he spoke of his disappointment in the way Everton conceded against Manchester City. Second-half goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic secured Pep Guardiola’s side a 2-0 win on their last trip to Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski had struck the post for Everton in the first-half, and speaking after the game, Blues boss David Moyes highlighted the withdrawal of the centre-back with a hamstring injury as a turning point in the game.
And when asked about the impact of Tarkowski going off, O’Brien admitted: “It was disappointing. He has come away with something and he’s a big part of our team.
“I wish him well, but I think we need to bounce back as a team. We need to dig deep in the next few games and come away with something.
“He is a big part of the team and how we play. I think when he went off, it was just moments in the game where we needed to dig in and defend better and we didn’t do it.
“They got two moments in the game where they picked us off and scored.”
O’Reilly stabbed the ball home six minutes from time before Kovacic added a second in stoppage time. Both goals, though, in the eyes of O’Brien, came as a result of poor defending from his side.
“Disappointing,” the defender replied when asked for his verdict on the game. “I think we were good for periods of the game, but it was moments that let us down.
“There was moments in the second-half that we didn’t defend as good as we usually do, and in those moments they scored two. That is disappointing.
Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
And to celebrate this historic and poignant event, the ECHO has produced this stunning special souvenir edition that no fan can afford to be without as they bid farewell to their iconic and beloved home.
We have delved into the ECHO archives to unearth fascinating stories from the famous ground’s past, including how it came to be built in 1892 and where its world-famous name came from..
Relive some of the most epic games to have graced the Grand Old Lady, including first-hand accounts of those involved in perhaps Goodison’s greatest night – the European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final win over Bayern Munich in the unforgettable year of 1985.
And then there are the legends – from Dean to Hickson, Sharp to Ferguson, Kendall to Moyes, we celebrate the Goodison icons who will live forever in the hearts and minds of Evertonians everywhere long after the ground is gone.
There are also some rare treats with a glorious collection of photographs from the archives, featuring stunning Goodison views and behind-the-scenes footage of what makes the Grand Old Lady truly tick.
Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents on Merseyside from April 2, 2025.
“In the first half, I think we defended well, but again, it was just moments that let us down. Lucky for them, they took their moments and have come away with the win.
“They are a top team. I think we have got to look at ourselves and know that we can compete with these teams, especially going into next season..
I thought today it was just moments, but we need to do it consistently throughout the whole game.”
Tarkowski has started 111 consecutive games for Everton but now looks set to be in a race to be fit for next Saturday’s game against Chelsea. Having spent the majority of the second-half of the season at right-back, O’Brien could be offered the chance to play in his natural position of centre-back.
And the Republic of Ireland international would have no hesitation in moving positions if asked to by his manager.
“I don’t know yet, as I think it is early and we will see what the gaffer has in mind in training,” he replied when asked about the prospect of playing centre-back at Stamford Bridge.
“As long as I’m playing, I don’t mind. If he wants me to play at centre-back, then I am more than happy to.”
Everton now only have two games left at Goodison, and O’Brien has revealed he and his team-mates are determined to end the season on a high.
He said: “There are only a few games left, and I think it is important we pick up as many wins as we can and we are nice and positive and bring something into Bramley-Moore.
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