'It's not a reality check'

Everton defender James Tarkowski does not feel their heavy defeat by Brighton was a "reality check" and has stressed there is "plenty to be hopeful about".

The Toffees began their Premier League campaign in unwanted fashion at Goodison Park and, to make matters worse, they will now be without Ashley Young through suspension after he was sent off in the second half.

"You end that game feeling very low - 3-0, 10 men, not really touching the ball for a while. But if you look at that the game from early on, I thought we were the better side," Tarkowski said.

"It's not a reality check. We know the level of this league and how difficult it is. You'll get punished if you make mistakes.

“The foundation which we build on - and we will continue to do - a lot of it was on show. Minor details will cost you in this league and we'll see that."

The result was also a demoralising way for the club to begin their final season at their current home before they move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next year.

"This [Goodison Park] is a special place, a very special place," Tarkowski added.

"We want to do it justice this season, before we move on to our new home, so hopefully [there will be] better days than Saturday."