Sean Dyche does not want to heap pressure on prized asset Jarrad Branthwaite but it was no coincidence that the defender’s first appearance of the season led to Everton’s first Premier League win.
The £70million-rated Branthwaite had not played senior football since making his England debut in June, having suffered a groin injury.
But after an uncertain start, the 22-year-old was a commanding presence as his team-mates bucked the recent trend of chucking away leads.
Dwight McNeil struck twice to overturn Marc Guehi’s opener for Palace as Everton jumped out of the bottom three to end a week that saw American businessman Dan Friedkin move close to a takeover.
The central defensive partnership of Branthwaite and James Tarkowski was key to Everton comfortably avoiding relegation last season and Branthwaite will be expected to make a major difference again.
Jarrad Branthwaite made a winning return to Everton’s line-up as they beat Crystal Palace
The 22-year-old had been out since June as he recovered from a groin injury but is now back
However, Sean Dyche is doing his best to keep a lid on the hype surrounding Branthwaite
Dyche is doing his best to keep a lid on things but it will not be easy and Branthwaite was given a huge ovation when his name was read out before kick-off.
‘There will be no extra scrutiny from us, that’s for sure,’ said the manager. ‘It will be the same message, go and mature as a player by enjoying the challenges.
‘The first thing is to get him fully fit. He has done well to get to where he was here, delivering a good performance.
‘He is still a young player in terms of Premier League games. He’s a very talented player.’