TalkSPORT presenters moot Jarrad Branthwaite 'Weak' moment during Everton v Man City

TalkSPORT host Max Rushden has reacted to the disappointing moment that Jarrad Branthwaite was bullied by Erling Haaland during a 2-0 loss for Everton against Manchester City on Saturday 10 February.

On just his third appearance after returning from injury, Haaland was back on the scoresheet at the expense of the Toffees, as he scored a brace and silenced Goodison Park following a decent first-half display.

It was the Norweigan's second goal on the day that disappointed Rushden and Barry Glendenning the most, pointing out Branthwaite's failure to have any effect on this season's Premier League's top goalscorer in the build-up.

Speaking via talkSPORT on Sunday (11 February, 11:24am), Rushden said: "Branthwaite is a big guy, not the first one that Haaland has just bumped into and they've gone flying. It's a shame because he had a really good game, but that's the bit that people will remember.

Glendenning added: "He was made to look weak, and he is not a weak man at all. Physically, he is quite imposing."

Erling Haaland brings Jarrad Branthwaite back down to Earth

Considering the youngster's impressive performances at the back for Everton so far this season, there was every chance that Branthwaite would be brought back down to Earth by a free-firing forward.

Haaland is currently the best forward in the Premier League and one of the best in the world. And while the Everton defender has the potential to be a world-beater, he needs far more experience before he gets there.

The Toffees defence did well to protect their goal for most of the game, with Haaland scoring his first after 71 minutes. It was a huge shame for Branthwaite, who had been almost faultless until that point.

Maintaining a 78 per cent pass completion against the current Treble holders, the 21-year-old was one of the most impressive performers on Saturday 10 February. With only 28 per cent of possession, Branthwaite and James Tarkowski needed to be on their A-game. [FotMob]

Despite the result, the fixture will not be one that Everton look back on at the end of the season as where they missed out on points, whether they survive relegation or not. The focus needs to shift immediately to fellow strugglers Crystal Palace.

In other Everton news, a TNT Sports pundit suggested one Everton ace could move to Man City this summer.

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