Everton have produced better performances than their points total suggests while Jarrad Branthwaite was missing, according to Ian Darke.
The TNT Sports commentator admits Sean Dyche’s team will be a level superior with Branthwaite back in the side, reflected in their first win of the Premier League season at the weekend against Crystal Palace.
The victory at Goodison Park marked Branthwaite’s first outing since his England debut in early June, and Darke believes they will fare well enough this season under Dyche and with the defender fit.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, he said: “Everton have been forced to operate without Branthwaite at the back, and he’s become a big, big part of the team.
“I’ve said Dyche is the right man to lead them out of the problems they’ve had on the pitch, and their points total probably hasn’t told the whole story of their performances.
“Now they’ve got Branthwaite back, I think they’ll be alright and they’ll pick up more points.”
Everton can look ahead after first win
The relief was as palpable at full-time on Saturday as the ‘groundhog day’ frustration was when Everton trailed at the weekend, courtesy of Dwight McNeil’s excellent double.
And it’s great for Toffees fans to see these match-winning contributions simply to know that the capability is at least there – it’s down to Dyche and the squad to produce it more often.
The shackles could well be off now that first victory in the league has been secured, and Branthwaite has returned to put in his usual reliable full 90 at the back.
It is not a coincidence the pages have turned at the same time, and it shows how vital the presence of the defender, still just 22, is to Dyche’s far more experienced squad.
The club must do everything in their power to keep him until at least the end of the season, before they can reevaluate the position of all parties as the new stadium move beckons – maybe this new era could be a tempting one in which Branthwaite can stick around.
