Everton’s win over Chelsea was an emphatic one, and hugely important in the grand scheme of their tumultuous campaign.
It meant that the Toffees had claimed a third straight victory in the Premier League, keeping clean sheets throughout, and established a four-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
The work Sean Dyche has done in nullifying the greatest punishment in the history of the top-flight is unparalleled, and seemingly only set to continue.
However, Sunday’s clash was marred by one moment, which saw Jarrad Branthwaite booked for a late and last-gasp challenge to thwart an opposition attack.
Whilst the free kick was fired straight at Jordan Pickford, that yellow card was the 21-year-old’s fifth of the season, thus leading to a suspension for this Saturday’s game against Burnley.
Naturally, that marks a huge blow, but one that would not have troubled Dyche too much given his well-known admiration for Michael Keane.
However, with the 21-year-old now reportedly a doubt, and Ben Godfrey still wildly out of favour, perhaps the academy could propose an alternative solution in young Ryan Astley.
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Who is Ryan Astley?
Although the 22-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for Everton, the Welsh centre-back has been ever-present for the youth sides for years now, having begun starring for the U23s as a 16-year-old.
However, he is not completely devoid of senior experience, having enjoyed a loan spell with Accrington Stanley just last season which saw him impress.
He has seemingly translated that form back into youth football, with his Football League Trophy performances certainly showcasing a staunch centre-back who would likely thrive beside the leadership of James Tarkowski.
After all, across just two games Astley is averaging one interception, one tackle, 5.5 clearances and six ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Described on Everton’s website as a ‘strong, composed defender with impressive quality on the ball’, perhaps Saturday marks the perfect time to hand him that first-team start he so richly craves to ease their crisis.
