Ally McCoist baffled live on air by what Jarrad Branthwaite did for Everton in loss v Arsenal
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite left Ally McCoist baffled with a disappointing pass in the Blues’ Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
Sean Dyche’s side ended their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to the Gunners on Sunday (19 May) with a late winner from Kai Havertz ensuring all three points remained in North London.
While the Toffees took the lead through Idrissa Gueye, they could have fallen behind early on when Branthwaite’s scuffed clearance picked out Declan Rice much to the confusion of McCoist.
Speaking on TNT Sport on Sunday (19 May, 16:12) he said: “That will be a relief to Jarrad Branthwaite that’s for sure. I don’t know what he is thinking.
“He’s tried to play it over the top to the full back. Really poor ball and thankfully from his point of view Declan Rice fails to get it past Pickford.”
Will Everton keep Jarrad Branthwaite during the summer transfer window?
Branthwaite had an incredibly odd afternoon at the Emirates on Sunday. After a slow start saw him caught out on a couple of occasions, the Englishman then managed to play a massive role in the second half.
Alongside Jordan Pickford, the centre-back made a number of cruical blocks and clearances on the goalline but also caused plenty of confusion as he and the keeper repeatedly failed to communicate with one another.
It has to be remembered that this is the 21-year-old’s first full season of Premier League football. While he hasn’t been flawless week in and week out, he has played at a level far beyond his experience or age.
Whether or not the Toffees will be able to keep the defender at Goodison Park beyond the end of the transfer window remains to be seen, especially as interest continues to grow with each passing week.
Hopefully, he will still be playing in blue when the Premier League returns in a few months time.
In other Everton news, Richard Keys has shared his immediate reaction following the final game of the Premier League season
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.