BBC pundit wowed by Jarrad Branthwaite v West Ham United, Everton ace had Michail Antonio ‘on toast’
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite had West Ham striker Michail Antonio “on toast” in their recent clash, according to BBC pundit Izzy Christiansen.
The Toffees man played 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet as Everton defeated the Hammers 1-0 on Sunday (29 October).
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal of the Premier League match at the London Stadium to secure his club’s third win of the campaign.
“Dyche didn’t use him at the start of the season, but then he started and played really well, and he’s now cemented his place in the team,” Christiansen said on BBC 5 Live Sport’s Monday Night Club (30 October).
“I think Branthwaite nullified Antonio, and he is a massive asset for West Ham, he’s fundamental to the way they play, he stretches the space then James Ward-Prowse comes in and plays. And Branthwaite just had him on toast, and that stopped him.”
Superb display
Not every defender has managed to keep Hammers man Antonio quiet this season, but Branthwaite dealt with the Jamaican international expertly.
Moreover, the Toffees youngster also prevented star winger Jarrod Bowen from getting on the scoresheet in East London, again something that many of the Premier League’s best defenders have struggled to do.
Branthwaite has been eased into the starting XI by manager Sean Dyche, having missed out on such a place in the opening matches of the season.
But that has proven to be a smart decision from the experienced boss, with Branthwaite since coming into the side and performing admirably.
He has formed a strong partnership alongside veteran defender James Tarkowski, with Dyche eager for the pair to keep more clean sheets in the months to come.
Goals will certainly help the Toffees stay clear of the relegation zone, but Dyche prides his teams on clean sheets, and they will be key if the club are to stay in the division.
In other Everton news, Micah Richards was stunned by one Toffees player on Sky Sports at full-time against West Ham.