Everton rescued a point at the death in last night’s final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, and it was a strong night’s work for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton scored right at the death through James Tarkowski to prompt scenes of bedlam.
Beto gave Everton the lead early on, but Liverpool then turned the game around with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.
Everton played well, and were pushing early in the second-half with the score at 1-1.
The Salah goal was a sucker punch, but Everton – spurred on by a brilliant home crowd – didn’t give up.
Tarkowski scored right at the end, and VAR then confirmed the goal after a lengthy check. The amazing scenes certainly won’t be forgotten.
There were then some ugly scenes as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure scrapped after the final whistle, with both players getting sent off as well as Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Doucoure was sent off for celebrating in front of the Liverpool fans after the full-time whistle, via a second yellow card. Jones also got a second booking.
It was an event-filled game, and Beto – who was superb – has praised his teammate Jarrad Branthwaite.
Beto has two words for Jarrad Branthwaite after he dominated for Everton vs Liverpool
Everton deserved at least a point from last night’s game.
The Toffees were really good overall, but the defending on both goals was surprisingly poor, putting them on the back foot.
Despite those two lapses, it was a very strong evening for Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 22-year-old made countless clearances in the game and also used the ball well and broke the lines.
And, of course, he also provided the assist for Beto on the first Everton goal with a clever ball from a free-kick.
Both Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist were full of praise for Branthwaite as the game entered its final stages.
On Instagram last night, a number of Everton players sent messages.
Branthwaite posted, and goalscorer Beto left a verdict that many Everton fans will agree with: “Solid performance.”
A stellar performance from Branthwaite
It would have been a travesty had Branthwaite wound up on the losing side last night.
The star was a defensive monster for Everton, and made a whopping 16 clearances from defence.
Branthwaite also looked to use the ball directly, and that ball from the free-kick to Beto was just perfectly weighted.
| Jarrad Branthwaite vs Liverpool |
| Minutes played – 90+ |
| Touches – 60 |
| Passes completed – 29/37 (78%) |
| ‘Key’ passes – 1 |
| ‘Big’ chances created – 1 |
| Clearances – 16 |
| Blocks – 2 |
Branthwaite will likely have a lot of speculation about him in the summer, with Manchester United among the clubs thought to be keen.
Performances like the one he gave against Liverpool will certainly draw attention to him this summer.
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