Everton were far from spectacular in Friday’s draw with Luton Town, but put in yet another professional performance to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
And with already-relegated Sheffield United next up this Saturday, the opportunity is there to further extend that.
Sean Dyche has worked miracles with this squad, not least to overcome the hurdles the Premier League have set out in front of him.
However, he has been blessed with a few key players whom he has inherited and managed to truly get the best out of this campaign.
Andros Townsend praises Jarrad Branthwaite’s performance
Speaking on yesterday’s Monday Night Club for the BBC, Andros Townsend sought to offer his verdict on Luton Town’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with his former side Everton.
As a current player for the Hatters, there is only so much that he can say without upsetting his new fans, but he was rather upfront about it being a missed opportunity for the hosts despite both sides having chances to win the game.
Unsurprisingly, he focused on his team’s late flurry of opportunities in the dying minutes of the game, and in particular one fierce effort that he had with mere seconds to go.
In detailing that moment, he actually praised one Everton asset for their work in thwarting him.
Townsend noted: ‘Basically yeah. I had one in the last second of the game, I thought it was in but I think Branthwaite made a great block.
‘It wasn’t meant to be for us on Friday night but like the table shows we’re still alive, still kicking.’
Everton already preparing for life without Jarrad Branthwaite
It is now well known just how imperious Jarrad Branthwaite has been this season for Everton, but with more praise, there is certain to be more transfer interest.
This summer already promises to be one of mass change for the Toffees still seeking to balance their books, and as such a few big sales may be in the offing.
Unfortunately, despite how revered the 21-year-old is around Goodison Park, the money they may well be offered in the coming months might just be too much for Dyche to turn down.
Especially given one report has even suggested that Branthwaite is actively ‘pushing’ for an exit, with that same piece actually suggesting that Luton Town’s Teden Mengi could be brought in as his successor.
With the Toffees clearly planning for life without Branthwaite, there are potentially just two games left for Evertonians to enjoy his remarkable presence before he jets off for greener pastures.