One Everton star who outperformed Dwight McNeil vs Forest

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Everton returned to winning ways yesterday with aplomb, brushing aside a resolute Nottingham Forest side courtesy of a Dwight McNeil stunner.

Having knocked at the door for large portions of the game, it felt like the travelling Toffees might me left frustrated.

However, a moment of magic saw them take the lead, as the ball fell to the former Burnley man who used his wicked left foot to strike in his first goal of the campaign.

And yet, it was hardly a stunning display for the 22-year-old, who despite remaining relentless in his work rate was left somewhat lacking regarding his quality.

Luckily, in the vital moment, it arose.

There was, however, another Everton star who perhaps stole the headlines from the actual match-winner, as Jarrad Branthwaite put in yet another assured display to continue this meteoric rise up the Premier League’s most-wanted list.

How did Jarrad Branthwaite play vs Nottingham Forest?

Having consistently been linked with an exit from Goodison Park, the 21-year-old did little to dispel those rumours with yesterday’s performance, which saw him keep their hosts completely silent.

Starting at the back alongside his trusty partner James Tarkowski, the former Carlisle United colossus completely quelled the aerial threat posed by Chris Wood whilst also boasting the fleet-footedness to keep Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White quiet too.

As such, he would post six clearances as well as one interception and one tackle, sending anything that came into his box back from where it came, via Sofascore.

On top of that, Branthwaite would also win five of the seven duels he competed in at a 71% success rate.

Praise would follow from all angles, unsurprisingly, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig taking to X to write: ‘Another superb performance by Jarrad Branthwaite. 21 years of age. Everton’s biggest jewel. A very complete CB profile for such a young age.’

Journalist Chris Beesley would echo such a sentiment in his post-match player ratings, writing for the Liverpool ECHO: ‘Sent Wood to the turf in the first half when Nottingham Forest’s big centre-forward tried to tangle with him and looked assured all night with another dominant display.’

Should Branthwaite continue at such a level, which everything is suggesting he will, the money Everton could gain from his sale could be a record one. He is truly unstoppable, and frighteningly, is only getting better with each week.