Everton news round-up: Branthwaite exit twist, Man United player comparison made
Everton are enjoying a new lease of life under the stewardship of David Moyes, with the Toffees moving one step closer to achieving their goal of Premier League safety.
Things are starting to look up for Everton, who have endured some wretched campaigns over the last few years.
Moyes’ appointment has provided the boost the Toffees needed to strengthen their survival hopes and, as it stands, they are on course to achieve just that.
While performances and results on the pitch are a priority, the Everton hierarchy will be keeping a close eye on future transfers and decisions that need to be made to keep that progress moving along steadily.
Here, Goodison News rounds up the latest news and rumours from Merseyside.
Supercomputer predicts final league position for Everton
Everton secured a crucial three points against Crystal Palace last time out, moving them 13 points clear of the drop zone and the latest forecast should serve as good news for Evertonians.
Via Opta Analyst (17 February), the Toffees are predicted to finish 18 points clear of the bottom three come the end of the current campaign.
Just a 0.12 per cent chance is present for Everton to be relegated, with a 15th-placed finish predicted for the Merseysiders.
Relegation looked almost nailed on throughout Sean Dyche’s time at Goodison Park, but the revival masterminded by Moyes has seen a huge improvement in that regard.
Dermot Gallagher shares ‘interesting’ verdict after Everton controversy
The Toffees win didn’t arrive without controversy after Crystal Palace had a goal ruled out after the ball was deemed to have gone out of play.
Replays showed no conclusive evidence as to whether it did indeed cross the line or not, but Gallagher, via Ref Watch, found the situation interesting.
He said: “I think the assistant is in the perfect position. Does it go out? We don’t know because we can’t tell. But Nunn is right behind the corner flag, looking across the line. He has a perfect view.
“It’s very interesting. The assistant moves back. He doesn’t flag. He flags when Lerma heads the ball into the net. So I wonder whether he has taken the same notion as they do for offside. By delaying, he has allowed it to run through, and then the VAR can look.
“As it is, they can’t find any evidence. So his decision stands.”
Beto compared to Manchester United icon
Beto has become the man of the moment at Everton, with another goalscoring performance against Crystal Palace taking his tally to five for the season.
His performance earned him a rather reputable comparison to an ex-Manchester United legend from Paul Quinn, otherwise known for his affiliation with The Esk.
He said via the Talking the Blues podcast: “You know, I said just before we started, can you think of a player that Beto reminds you of in terms of how he’s finished against Liverpool and against Crystal Palace and how generally he looks when he gets a sniff of a goal?
“And the player I am most reminded of on this occasion is Andy Cole. He looks like if you go back on YouTube and you look at some of the goals that Andy Cole scored.
Jarrad Branthwaite exit twist emerges at Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite has become an integral component of this Everton side but questions have been asked over the last few months as to where his future lies.
According to TEAMtalk, the answer is very simple. Everton will not be selling the defender despite interest from several clubs including Manchester United.
The Toffees are said to be under no pressure to cash in on their prized asset with most of their financial troubles long gone under TFG ownership.
Given his importance to the team, it should serve as optimism for Everton fans who should be able to rest easy knowing their club won’t be giving in to intense transfer pressure.