Everton defender Branthwaite, sidelined with a groin injury, was the subject of two bids from Manchester United this summer and failed to feature in any of the Blues’ pre-season games. After missing Everton’s first five Premier League matches of the season, Branthwaite returned for Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Crystal Palace. Huge cheers from the Goodison Park crowd greeted him as his name was read out over the PA ahead of kick-off.
Dwight McNeil said “It maybe took him a bit longer than he wanted to, but the main thing is he’s young and a massive part of our squad. I’m happy to see him back. He’s a massive player and has a massive future ahead of him. When people are injured or ill, it’s always difficult for any team. It adds that healthiness within the group and people fighting for places, which we need because that brings out performances as well.”
Despite a shaky first half, where Everton were booed off the field, they managed to clinch the victory. Winger Jesper Lindstrom paid the price for the lackluster performance as he was replaced at the interval by Jack Harrison. Reflecting on the match,
Dwight McNeil said “In past games where we’ve lost, I think we’ve played well, but in the Premier League it’s all about putting points on the board because it’s the hardest league in the world. You can play well, but if you don’t get points, there’s nothing to show for it. Today we did the not-nice side of the game really well. We defended really well in the second half and managed to hold on for the three points.”
The victory lifted Everton out of the bottom three.
Dwight McNeil said “We just take it a game at a time and focus on the opposition we’re playing. We’re not really too interested in the table because it’s still early on in the season. We’ve just got to work together every day, get better, and put more points on the board because that’s the most important thing in the Premier League. But the Premier League is not forgiving. It’s all about points on the board. It’s a ruthless league, and that’s what we’ve done today. We’ve got to take the performance and keep getting wins because we want to win as many games as we can this season.”
