Royal Blue: Andre Gomes, Richarlison, Jarrad Branthwaite and a formation question for Carlo Ancelotti

After four games without a win and four pretty miserable performances, excuse the latest Royal Blue podcast, hosted by Phil Kirkbride and featuring Chris Beesley and Dave Prentice, for being positively upbeat after Carlo Ancelotti’s side returned to winning ways with a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Sheffield United. There is praise for Andre Gomes’ vastly-improved display while there is a question for Blues boss Ancelotti over whether he should stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation given it brought the best out of the Portuguese, along with Gylfi Sigurdsson, who also showed signs of form at Bramall Lane. The match-winner, Richarlison, is also hailed, while Phil surprises Prenno with a stat that he can’t believe but which underlines the Brazilian’s huge potential. The panel also look at the winning goal itself and wonder whether it is the latest example of a marginal gain Everton must make the most of going forward. And of course the podcast cannot fail to mention the composed display of teenager Jarrad Branthwaite. But there are also warm words for Branthwaite’s senior centre-back partner Michael Keane, who since the restart, has certainly grown in stature. Enjoy.

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