James Tarkowski had no choice but to put down his phone and watch in awe as Everton's players were greeted by passionate supporters before the match with Chelsea.
Huge crowds once again lined the tight streets surrounding Goodison Park to greet the squad's coaches in a custom that emerged ahead of the same fixture last season. Back then it inspired the Blues to a win that kickstarted the escape from relegation.
On Saturday the incredible scenes once again highlighted the intense support of fans desperate to spur on their club. Speaking after the game, Tarkowski praised supporters and acknowledged the reception - inside and outside the ground - was special.
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Having arrived at Everton over the summer, this was the first time Tarkowski had experienced the coach welcome. Last season he watched the scenes from the rival camp as part of the Burnley side the Blues pipped to safety. When he was announced as an Everton player, the 29-year-old recalled the support his new teammates had received during the depths of the survival battle.
He said: "The support they gave the team last season was incredible. You saw just how big the fanbase is. Despite a difficult season, Everton fans got behind their team more than ever. I think they are a massive factor about this club. Hopefully successful times are ahead and, with the talent we have in the squad, we can give the fans something they really enjoy."
Everton were unable to overcome Chelsea on Saturday, falling to a narrow defeat in a match manager Frank Lampard could take genuine positives from. Despite the disappointment of losing the opening game of the campaign, however, Tarkowski was clearly still running through the scenes that greeted him on his debut.
Of the coach welcome, he said: "It was a special experience. I put my phone down and just made sure I took it all in. To see the amount of people out there cheering us on was just special. Fair play to the fans because they are really right behind us. Hopefully it will stay like that."
The scenes outside the ground were followed by a similar welcome inside Goodison Park as the players emerged for the first time this season. Tarkowski added: "The atmosphere was incredible, I feel really fortunate to be out there when the atmosphere is that good. I thought it was a pretty pleasing performance overall.
"It was just a shame about the result but I think the performance levels were there so we have just got to take that into the next game."
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