Micah Richards stunned by 'exceptional' Jarrad Branthwaite in Everton win v West Ham United
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was “exceptional” in the club’s win against West Ham, according to Michah Richards.
The central defender kept a clean sheet as the Toffees won the Premier League encounter 1-0 on Sunday (29 October).
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal at the London Stadium, with Branthwaite heavily involved in the build-up.
“Branthwaite has been exceptional,” Richards said on Sky Sports Main Event (29 October, 3:00pm). “You see him involved for the goal, stepping out, winning it, and that touch is just marvellous. An excellent, excellent away win for them.”
Huge win
Everton have found wins hard to come by of late, with the Toffees struggling to turn their attacking chances into goals. It was by no means an attacking masterclass at the London Stadium, but Dyche won’t care whatsoever.
His approach in East London certainly went according to plan as his leading striker netted the only goal of a tight encounter.
It was a very well-taken goal from Calvert-Lewin, who slotted the ball past Alphonse Areola after a pass from Jack Harrison.
But the goal would not have been possible without Branthwaite, who stepped in expertly to dispossess Michail Antonio following a forward pass from Vladimir Coufal. He then played the ball forward to Calvert-Lewin, with the attacking pair going on to do the damage in the final third.
It is a massive three points for the Toffees, who are now sitting 15th in the Premier League table after their third victory of the campaign.