Branthwaite Praises Everton’s Potential After Arsenal Draw

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite expressed his belief that Saturday’s draw against Arsenal demonstrated the high caliber of team the Toffees are capable of being. Speaking following the match, Branthwaite stated: “We’re all buzzing – to come down here and get a point the way we did, everyone’s buzzing.” He elaborated on the team’s performance, adding: “It shows how good a team we can be, defensively today we were solid – front to back. We knew it was going to be hard coming down here, we had to stay on it at all times and that’s what we’ve done.” Branthwaite also reflected on the mental demands of the game, saying: “You’ve got to stay mentally aware, if you don’t in a split second they can be in and score – it’s tiring but that’s the work as a footballer, when you come off the pitch and you’ve picked up a point like we have it’s all worth it.” This fixture marked Branthwaite’s fifth consecutive game playing the full 90 minutes, following a period on the sidelines due to injury. He further commented on his return to play: “After such a long time out, it’s been difficult getting up to speed, coming into the Premier League where they’ve played so many games and I haven’t played anything for three/four months. I’m starting to find my feet and as a back four we’re working well.” Branthwaite concluded by discussing his ongoing physical progress: “I am getting there and obviously I’m still getting sharper and fitter. It’s going to take a little bit longer than the four games I’ve had but I’m feeling a lot better in myself, feeling stronger and I’ve just got to keep on top of my body so I don’t have any setbacks.”