Jarrad Branthwaite believes being written off after a difficult summer transfer window gave Everton extra motivation to prove their doubters wrong.
David Moyes’ side went into the international break unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions after beating Ipswich Town 1-0 at the Hill Dickinson, with Thierno Barry scoring his fifth goal of the season.
Branthwaite says Everton criticism gave players a boost
Everton had to work for Saturday’s victory, and Branthwaite believes the manner in which they saw it through showed how things have changed.
“It was one of those ugly performances, and I think over the last couple of seasons, it was probably the kind of game where we’ve maybe crumbled and conceded,” Branthwaite told the Liverpool Echo.
“I think it shows a bit of a shift in mentality to get over the line and get the win.”
That mentality has been tested following a summer in which Everton’s squad was substantially reshaped. Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson were among those to leave, while a proposed move for Folarin Balogun fell through.
Branthwaite said the subsequent doubts over whether Moyes had enough players at his disposal were noticed inside the dressing room.
“If you look at the way the transfer window went, the way we got written off as a group,” he said.
“[People were saying] ‘a small squad and not going to have the quality to compete,’ and I think that gave us a boost as a team to go and prove everyone wrong.”
So far, Everton have responded. Seven games without defeat represents an encouraging start, although Branthwaite is well aware that Saturday was not their most convincing performance.
“Top player”
Barry nevertheless found the goal that decided it, and Branthwaite also praised the striker’s work behind the scenes.
“He’s always learning. He’s a top player,” he said. “I think you can see he’s always in the positions to score. I see him every day, practising and practising to get better, so I’m very happy he got his goal today.”
Barry also had a second effort ruled out following an offside against Brennan Johnson, but one goal was enough.
Branthwaite described Everton as “over the moon” with their start. After a summer in which questions were asked about the size and quality of Moyes’ squad, the defender’s explanation suggests some of those doubts have been put to good use.
See how Everton lined up against Ipswich Town.
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