Everton were far from their best yesterday, but still came away with a win at last and a clean sheet to enjoy too.
Sean Dyche has spoken often about how he wanted his side to switch the narrative and figure out how to win ugly after losing so many matches they had deserved to win, and they certainly achieved that feat against Burnley.
In a match that would not have looked out of place in the Championship, these two lacklustre sides lacked quality and composure, and thus played out a terrible affair in windy, sun-bathed conditions.
However, as has often been the case this season with the Toffees, one man shone amidst all the dross.
And now, he has even earned praise from the opposition manager, Vincent Kompany.
Vincent Kompany left stunned by Jarrad Branthwaite
Speaking immediately after the game, the Burnley boss was left stunned by the outstanding performance of one of Everton’s centre-backs.
Asked specifically his thoughts on Jarrad Branthwaite, who has continued to impress throughout a torrid season for the Toffees, the former Manchester City man and four-time Premier League winner became the latest to wax lyrical about the 21-year-old.
There even seemed to be an element of frustration at his quality, and the manner in which he continued to snuff out attacks.
Kompany noted: ‘I’m not even saying it because I think he’s a young defender so sometimes it’s important to stay away from the hype a little bit but it’s just a really objective analysis of moments where my strikers have done so well and he gets back and sometimes his teammates get beaten and he reads the moment to go and cover.
‘It’s a side of the game that he has which is really promising for the future.’
Jarrad Branthwaite continues to impress for Everton
Whilst Branthwaite has shone all season in an otherwise lacklustre Everton team, yesterday felt like a particularly outstanding performance, above most others this season. And that is really saying something.
After all, the young colossus has put in numerous impressive performances with remarkable consistency thus far, as one of few shining lights for Dyche.
His development has been stark, and his importance to the team now paramount.
Against Burnley this was no different, and he was rewarded for his fine performance with a 7.4 rating by Sofascore.
Such a figure was more than supported by his underlying statistics, as he quelled so many threats posed by the visitors before they could even materialise into a threat.
As such, he posted five clearances, one block, three interceptions and a further tackle, whilst also managing to maintain a 79% pass accuracy.
There really is nothing Branthwaite can’t do, and the more he keeps impressing in such a manner, the larger the fee Everton will be able to command when he inevitably is sold this summer to ease the financial burden.
It would have to be that, or another worrying plan involving the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which has also emerged earlier today.