Everton player ratings vs Brentford as Tarkowski gets 4/10 and five others poor | Football | Sport

January 4, 2026 3,055

Everton were ruthlessly dismantled by Brentford in a shambolic defensive display, kicking off 2026 with a 4-2 defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Captain James Tarkowski was responsible for a costly error that led to the Bees’ opening goal, netted by Igor Thiago on the 11th minute. Despite home manager David Moyes making a double substitution at half-time, it was the visitors who sealed the game with two rapid goals early in the second half.

Nathan Collins extended their lead from a corner before Thiago added a third just a minute later. Beto, introduced at half-time, managed to pull one back with a header on the 66th minute, but after Thiago scored a fourth on a counter-attack on the 88th minute, Barry’s extra-time goal was nothing more than a consolation. Express Sport rates and slates the Toffees…

Everton player ratings vs Brentford

Jordan Pickford – 6

England’s first-choice goalkeeper will be puzzled as to how he let in four goals here, but the situation could have been worse had he not bravely blocked a late first-half shot from Thiago. The Everton keeper received little support from his defenders.

Jake O’Brien – 6

He was lucky to escape punishment for an off-the-ball kick in the second half. Reinstated to the right-back position, he worked hard and made a vital block to prevent Kevin Schade from scoring after Tarkowski misjudged a header, leading to a threatening Brentford counter-attack.

Vitalii Mykolenko 5

Made a vital block to prevent Thiago from scoring a second goal, but frequently opted to play the ball backwards rather than forwards. His contributions to attacks were marred by poor crossing.

James Tarkowski – 4

He was given a tough time by his former club, gifting them the lead by carelessly losing the ball to Vitaly Janelt, who then set up Igor Thiago to score. Earlier, the Brentford striker had cleared a goal-bound header from Tarkowski off the line, while Nathan Collins outjumped him for the second goal.

Michael Keane – 6

Returning from injury, he proved to be the superior of Everton’s two centre-backs, although that’s not saying much as he demonstrated better game-reading skills than Tarkowski.

James Garner – 7

While his performance was a far cry from the commanding display against Nottingham Forest, he still orchestrated Everton’s play with his pass selection and forward drives. He was on the receiving end of a rough challenge from Yehor Yarmoliuk, which earned the Brentford player a booking.

Tim Iroegbunam – 5

He was the intended recipient of Tarkowski’s pass that led to Brentford’s goal. Aside from a mishit shot, most of his work was done off the ball.

Tyler Dibling – 5

Substituted at half-time for the second time in this venue, it took him some time to get into the swing of things. While his dribbling has provided some entertainment, he needs to deliver more in terms of end product.

Dwight McNeil – 5

Substituted at half-time, along with Dibling, he had an early opportunity when Caoimhin Kelleher deflected his low shot around the post. Despite connecting well with that shot, there were instances where he was frustrated by not being quick enough for loose balls.

Jack Grealish – 7

Returning to the starting line-up, he set up McNeil for an early opportunity and then Barry for his header. He was sent tumbling by a reckless challenge from Brentford’s Michael Kayade, which earned the latter a yellow card. He ended this match with two assists, having delivered the crosses for both Beto and Barry to score.

Thierno Barry – 7

After taking 17 matches to open his scoring account, he has now scored in consecutive games. However, there was no celebration for his late consolation goal here after being denied earlier with another headed attempt. He covered a lot of ground with little reward.