Everton had a ‘10/10’ star outperform McNeil vs Newcastle

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As Everton hosted Newcastle United, there was a quiet anticipation that this could have been a clash ready to boil over.

With numerous underlying narratives all combining to preface a spicy affair between two fanbases who have grown more and more hostile with one another, it was bound to be a battle decided by who fought harder, and who wanted it more.

In the end, the tanks of the visitors were simply emptied, and a flurry of goals starting in the 79th minute condemned Eddie Howe’s men to a 3-0 defeat.

Whilst many will rush to laud Dwight McNeil for his match-winning display, in which he scored that opener and then assisted the second in dubious fashion, the Toffees were faultless across the board.

Few from Sean Dyche’s arsenal endured a bad game, with the midfield quelling their threat, the front line proving potent, and their defence remaining solid.

In fact, it could even be argued that Jarrad Branthwaite outshone the lot.

How did Jarrad Branthwaite play for Everton vs Newcastle United?

With transfer interest from the Magpies in prying the 21-year-old titan from Goodison Park, his performance was likely analysed with immense scrutiny.

And what they will have seen was likely far beyond anything they could have imagined.

Everton have been treated to such mature, comprehensive performances at the back all season, but it seems only now is the £35k-per-week colossus gaining the widespread praise he deserves.

After all, Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig would even take to X to write: ‘10/10 week for the 21-year-old Everton player. One of the most interesting young CBs in Europe’.

Such praise was underpinned by the flurry of fine statistics from last night’s clash, with the centre-back letting nothing go beyond him.

As such, he would make a whopping seven clearances alongside one tackle and one interception, as well as winning 100% of the eight duels he competed in, via Sofascore.

An impenetrable force at the back for Dyche, it’s no wonder that the opposition’s front three all floundered to a 6.8 rating or less.

The growing interest in Branthwaite will worry the Merseyside outfit, given just how impressive he continues to be. However, the price tag they could soon command with these consistently outstanding displays only continues to grow.