Everton fans were left saying the same thing about Jarrad Branthwaite vs West Ham, maybe Sean Dyche was right

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Everton secured themselves a point on the road against West Ham United with neither side able to find the back of the net.

Sean Dyche’s side were able to keep a clean sheet but there was a real lacking of cutting edge shown by Everton at the other end of the pitch.

Going into the game at the London Stadium, there was a lot of discussion as to whether Jarrad Branthwaite should start.

The Everton defender has suffered considerably with injuries of late but he has recently returned to the bench with Dyche criticised for not starting Branthwaite.

Everton fans have demanded Branthwaite to start ahead of the likes of Michael Keane and they were handed their wish on Saturday afternoon.

• READ MORE: Sean Dyche shares what people are now ‘saying’ to him at Everton for the first time in nine years

Everton fans question Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness

Ironically, going into the game, Dyche admitted Branthwaite was not fit enough, in his mind, despite what some of the club doctor’s were saying.

Regardless, Dyche was warned he was making a mistake by not starting Branthwaite despite him making the bench.

But during the game at the London Stadium, some Everton fans shared their own concerns about the 22-year-old’s fitness levels, with @charlieefc78 saying: “Icl branthwaite has looked a bit shaky”.

Meanwhile, @garybri99293774 added: “Can’t imagine how unfit Branthwaite was 2 weeks ago if this is him chomping at the bit”. And @wombat_combat was of similar think saying: “Branthwaite doesn’t look 100%. Maybe he wasn’t ready the past few games”.

Clearly @user801456 was not pleased with what he saw as he said: “You all wanted Branthwaite back thinking he was the man. He’s been absolutely [terrible].”

Jordan Pickford was forced into a fine late save after a Branthwaite mistake which saw @beachy4579 say: “

Branthwaite shocking if it was Keane he would be getting pelters”.

• READ MORE: Everton fans all make the same big claim about Richarlison as news emerges

Jarrad Branthwaite stats vs West Ham

The game against the Hammers was only Branthwaite’s second start in the Premier League this season.

This comes after reports suggesting Branthwaite is eyeing a move to a bigger club than Everton following serious interest in the summer.

But he certainly did not look at his best against the Hammers with a clear lack of match fitness following his injuries.

• 90 minutes played
• 3 clearances
• 1 interception
• 4 tackles
• 77% pass accuracy
• 54 touches

Branthwaite may not have been at his best but the 22-year-old is the kingpin of Everton’s defence and the main question may be who should actually be his partner.