Everton will feel extremely hard done by after last night, as they crashed out of the EFL Cup despite enjoying the better of a hard-fought clash with Fulham.
Neither side really showed the best sides of themselves, but it largely felt like it was the home side forcing the issue despite the Cottagers actually taking the lead.
Michael Keane was once again in the wrong place at the wrong time to divert home the opener, but the substitute Beto would rescue the hosts to send the tie to penalties.
It would prove a crueller outcome though, with misses from Idrissa Gana Gueye and Amadou Onana sending Marco Silva’s men into the final four.
Although it never really felt like Everton got going, failing to give a performance worthy of such a momentous tie, there were a select few who did show up under a floodlit Goodison Park.
Whilst the goalscorer did impress from the bench, it was instead Jarrad Branthwaite who shone brightest once again.
How did Jarrad Branthwaite play vs Fulham?
Forced into an unnatural left-back role, the 21-year-old was a willing servant down the flank despite looking uncomfortable at times.
Although steady in possession, the creative demands placed on the modern-day full-back seemed to be weighing on the young central defender at first.
However, he quickly grew into his makeshift position as the game went on.
Showcasing his immense speed, he did well to cut out some early Fulham half chances, before driving forward himself to find key areas.
It was pleasing to see him record a sole key pass, although it was once again his fine defensive work that deserves praise.
The titanic stopper made three clearances, three tackles and one interception from full-back, and unsurprisingly won an impressive seven of the eight duels he competed in (88% success rate).
Journalist Connor O’Neill would seek to laud Branthwaite in his post-match player ratings, writing: ‘His class once again shone through. Playing at left-back he didn’t put a foot wrong. Defensively solid and his pace helped Everton get out of trouble on a number of occasions. However, he should have done better with a header at the back post.’
Although Beto might steal the headlines for his starring role from the bench, scoring the equaliser to send the game to spot kicks, this young Englishman just continues to go from strength to strength.
Even conquering a new position is proving an easy task for the £35k-per-week star, who finds new ways to impress the fanbase.
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