It was a sight that Everton supporters were most certainly not used to seeing. But as James Tarkowski lay on the ground five minutes into the second half of Everton’s defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, you knew something was wrong.

The Blues defender has been an ever-present since he joined in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer from Burnley. So much so that the 32-year-old has started every Premier League game since he joined the club.

What occurred next was telling. First, Tarkowski was replaced by Michael Keane, but as he left the pitch, he did so to a standing ovation from those in attendance.

It felt like Blues supporters had finally been given the opportunity to show their appreciation to their captain. But what unfolded following the change really caught people’s attention.

To put it simply, Everton were not the same team once Tarkowski departed. They had more than matched City, with the defender even being the closest to opening the scoring in the first half.

But the Blues fell apart once the centre-back departed. In the end, goals from Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic were the difference, while Keane endured 40 minutes to forget.

It was telling as well that Blues boss David Moyes even admitted post-match that his side were not the same once Tarkowski went off.

“I thought for 60-odd minutes we were okay,” he said. “I thought we played well and gave them a good game. I think Tarky coming off had a big change in the game.

“I think it changed a lot of things and it shouldn't have, but it did. I think their subs [Jeremy Doku and Kovacic came on with 10 minutes to go] did make a difference.

“We tried to change [but] we didn't get any more control back in the game. Man City got big control in the second half.

“The first half, I thought we had done a really good job in creating a few opportunities. We played well, but we just couldn't get a goal to go with it, really.”

Goodbye Goodison Park - Souvenir edition

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.

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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.

And that's not all, also available is ParkLife, a a high quality, 312 page publication showcasing 133-years of Goodison history in pictures. Available here. Then there's Farewell to Goodison, celebrating 100 of the best moments at the Grand Old Lady, available to purchase now.

Those thoughts were echoed by Jake O’Brien, who 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.”

And reflecting on the change, Jordan Pickford said: "When Tarky's played every minute of every game of the season and he comes off with an injury, it's probably hard for Michael to come in and put the shirt on, but that's why we train hard, everyone, on the training pitch and to be ready to get the chance and take the chance when called upon.

"Hopefully Tarky's all right first and foremost with his injury, but now it's about training right next week and Michael getting his chance for Chelsea."

But as Blues supporters departed Goodison on Saturday afternoon, they did so realising just how important Tarkowski is for their side.

The game against City really didn’t feel like one of those moments where you only realise how valuable and important someone is when they don’t play.