Branthwaite brilliance
Jarrad Branthwaite has had plenty to celebrate of late – most notably opening the scoring in Everton’s first Merseyside Derby victory at Goodison Park since he was eight years old – but after the wild jubilation he showed after Alisson Becker, one of the world’s best goalkeepers, found his shot against Liverpool too hot to handle, the defender was almost as animated here when blocking a shot from Andros Townsend in the dying seconds.
With Luton Town needing the points much more than the Blues now and pushing for a winner late into stoppage time, their substitute and former Everton winger Andros Townsend let fly but Branthwaite flung his body in the way to deflect the effort wide. Realising the importance of his interception, the young Cumbrian clenched his teeth and his first in jubilation in what proved to be the final kick of the game.
Blues boss Sean Dyche – himself a former centre-back – has questioned defenders celebrating what he calls “doing their job” at times this season but with their Premier League status already confirmed and his players still throwing themselves at the ball, perhaps the stern taskmaster might even allow Branthwaite to enjoy this particular moment?
Everton transfer priority clear despite Jamie Carragher's Ross Barkley suggestion
Everton player ratings as Jarrad Branthwaite and one other excellent in Luton Town draw
Cutting banter
After what has been the most-traumatic season in Everton’s history off the pitch, loyal but long-suffering Blues were finally able to enjoy themselves on the trip down to Bedfordshire with the pressure off but that didn’t mean this game lacked edge.
Even if Luton would have had a sniff of catching their visitors, you imagine this contest
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