Andy Gray slams Jarrad Branthwaite for ‘terrible’ decision in Everton clash with Crystal Palace
Andy Gray has slammed Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for his “terrible” challenge on Eberechi Eze that led to a Crystal Palace penalty in the 3-2 victory.
Eze tripped over Branthwaite’s outstretched leg and then tucked away the subsequent spot-kick to cancel out Vitaliy Mykolenko’s first-minute opener in a frantic start to Saturday’s (11 November) match.
The decision appeared to be a soft one on initial viewing, but Gray felt it was a definite penalty for the Eagles as he questioned Branthwaite’s decision-making.
“It’s a terrible tackle from Branthwaite,” he said on beIN Sports’ live coverage [11 November, 15:56].
“He’s used his wrong foot for a start and his body shape was all wrong. It’s just a poor tackle and it deserved a penalty.”
Bounce back
Eze did appear to go to ground very easily, but in fairness, Branthwaite should not have stuck his leg out.
This is one of those decisions where it would be easy to criticise the Palace attacker, but any Everton player in the same position would have done likewise.
Branthwaite just did not adjust his body properly and was caught cold by the quick thinking of Eze, who gave the visiting players plenty of problems.
While he was guilty of gifting Palace a route back into the game on this occasion, Branthwaite has been superb for Everton since forcing his way into the side.
You have to wonder just how fit was Branthwaite for this game, given he was considered a big doubt ahead of the match.
As is the case with any youngster, mistakes will happen from time to time. It is about how you learn from those mistakes that can shape a player.
In other Everton news, Kevin Thelwell has confirmed the Toffees turned down the chance to sign an experienced player in the summer window.