Jarrad Branthwaite was speaking following Everton's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night
A dejected Jarrad Branthwaite following Everton's defeat to Manchester United
A dejected Jarrad Branthwaite following Everton's defeat to Manchester United(Image: (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
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Jarrad Branthwaite believes a lapse in concentration 'killed' Everton against Manchester United as he opened up on his side’s struggles at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Benjamin Sesko came to Michael Carrick’s rescue for the third time in four matches after arriving from the bench to score the only goal of the game.
The goal arrived after United hit the Blues on the break, with the Slovenia international finishing a fine move that involved Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. And reflecting on the defeat, centre-back Branthwaite said: “I think throughout the 90 minutes, we were the better team.
"A lapse in concentration probably killed us on the counterattack, and it's another home game where we've not picked up any points, and we're disappointed.”
Everton have won just four of their 14 Premier League games at their new stadium, and Branthwaite accepts his side are still adapting.
“It's down to us as players to create an atmosphere,” he said. “The home form hasn't been good enough. We know that. It's about changing that.
“I thought the performance tonight was good and a step in the right direction, but ultimately we did pick up any points again.”
Asked why he believes his side have struggled at home this season, the defender replied: “I don't know. I think it's difficult when you're so used to something in Goodison where it creates the atmosphere.
"I haven't played here much this season, so it's hard for me to say. But at Goodison, we got dragged over the line by the fans and they created that for us.
Senne Lammens of Manchester United clears the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United
Senne Lammens of Manchester United clears the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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“Maybe here it's not as easy. It's a bigger stadium, it's different. It's going to take a while to get used to. I think you've seen that, but, like I said, it's down to us as players to change that. We know that, and hopefully we can do that.”
David Moyes and a number of Everton’s players were left incensed by a number of calls made by referee Darren England throughout the game.
“You get different referees in the Premier League, you know, all of them make different decisions,” the defender replied when asked about England’s performance.
“We've just got to focus on ourselves. I think over the 90 minutes we created enough chances to just score some goals, and we didn't do that again, which is frustrating. But we can take positives.”
Benjamin Sesko celebrates after scoring against Everton
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Branthwaite was making just his third start of the campaign after missing a large chunk of the season due to a hamstring injury.
However, the England international found himself playing at left-back rather than centre-back, and although he would much rather be playing at the heart of the defence, he is happy to go where required.
“The manager asked me to play there again, and I'm happy to be on the pitch, happy to be playing there,” the 23-year-old said when asked about the change.
“Obviously, I'd like to be at centre back, but I think Keano (Michael Keane) and Tarky (James Tarkowski) have done well throughout the season. So it's the manager's decision and I'm happy to be playing wherever he plays me.”
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