After Jarrad Branthwaite’s assertion, I would want to see Erling Haaland stopped by a former Everton defender.

Jarrad Branthwaite found himself in the spotlight for both of Erling Haaland’s goals, but attributing blame solely to him would be unfair, considering Haaland’s ability to exploit any defender’s weaknesses, a skill he has demonstrated against top defenders worldwide for years.

Branthwaite’s attempted clearance led to Haaland’s first goal, and he was left exposed for the second.

Criticisms from Martin Keown about Branthwaite’s positioning seemed overly negative, given the modern game’s dynamics where tight marking isn’t always feasible.

Branthwaite’s previous experiences with being exposed in matches, resulting in a red card, might

have influenced his decision-making. Haaland’s skillful movement created the opportunity for his second goal,

showcasing classic striker play.

Defenders attempted to address the situation, but luck favored City as Haaland capitalized on defensive lapses. Despite Everton‘s commendable defensive setup against Manchester City, conceding to set-pieces was disappointing, especially considering City’s prowess in such situations.

Despite the loss, Everton’s performance against City should boost their confidence, demonstrating their ability to challenge top teams.

Maintaining such levels of performance is crucial, especially in upcoming matches like against Crystal Palace, where consistency is key.

Regardless of any potential points deduction, Everton must focus on improving their home form

to ensure Premier League survival.

The upcoming game against Crystal Palace demands the same level of intensity and performance as displayed against Manchester City, regardless of external factors

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