Everton snapped their four-game winless run on Monday evening as they beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
Defeats at Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers were compounded by home draws against Southampton and Aston Villa, with Everton struggling for results.
Carlo Ancelotti ditched his 4-4-2 for a 4-2-3-1, and it had the desired effect as Everton not only won but also kept a clean sheet.
Richarlison’s header from a Gylfi Sigurdsson free kick was enough for Everton to clinch the win, getting the Toffees back on track at this late stage of the campaign.
There were a number of promising displays, but it was impossible to ignore the performance of teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 18-year-old centre back was making his first Premier League start after previous substitute appearances against Wolves and Villa, having shown promise against the latter.
Branthwaite was superb against Sheffield United, winning three aerial duels whilst winning two tackles, making five clearances and blocking one shot.
He was playing for Carlisle United in the fourth tier just a matter of months ago, but now looks to be Everton’s big defensive hope following his £750,000 move.
Branthwaite is huge at 6ft 4in tall and is strong on his left foot, which provides great balance to Ancelotti’s back line. He’s only young, but Branthwaite may save Everton millions this summer.
Now, pundit Jamie Carragher has taken to Twitter to rave about Branthwaite, branding him ‘excellent again’ whilst praising his size and left-footed ability as the teenager continues to win new fans.
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