Sky pundit hails ‘top’ Everton ace after MOTM performance vs West Ham
Jarrad Branthwaite was Everton’s Man of the Match in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham United with the youngster producing another ‘top display’.
At the end of an emotional week for The Toffees – mourning the death of their West End-loving chairman – three hard-earned points in the East of London was a fitting way to mark the passing of the legendary Bill Kenwright.
During his long tenure, Everton made a habit of investing in youth, and it was two players who arrived at Goodison Park as budding teenagers from lower down the footballing pyramid who laid the foundations for that welcome win on West Ham’s soil.
Everton win away at West Ham United
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a £1.5 million acquisition from Sheffield United, became only the fourth Everton player to break the 50-goal barrier in the Premier League with a super turn and finish just after the interval.
At the other end, meanwhile, former Carlisle United whizzkid Jarrad Branthwaite continues to enhance his reputation, the sight of him shrugging off the broad-shouldered Michail Antonio the sort of ‘boy-to-man’ moment which has characterised the defender’s breakthrough campaign under Sean Dyche (WhoScored).
Despite the poise and the finesse of Calvert-Lewin’s winner, there was only one stand-out candidate for the Man of the Match award, at least according to Sky Sport co-commentator Alan Smith.
“He’s been at the forefront of things. He got his head to the ball and his foot to the ball so often,” the former Arsenal striker says of Branthwaite (29 October, 3pm).
“A top display by him.”
Calvert-Lewin and Branthwaite shine
Branthwaite, who returned to Everton over the summer after a loan spell at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, completed two tackles, two interceptions as a remarkable 10 clearances as Dyche’s side secured their second win in three Premier League matches, and their third in their last five.
Everton are now up to 15th. A five point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
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