Everton supporters are in complete agreement about Michael Keane’s performance in Saturday’s draw with Newcastle United.
Sean Dyche’s side have now gone three Premier League games unbeaten after holding Newcastle United to a goalless draw for a hard-fought point.
It’s a particularly impressive result as Everton were injury-stricken at the back with Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaly Mykolenko ruled out of action late on Friday.
Branthwaite suffered a thigh injury in training after only coming back from injury in last weekend’s win over Crystal Palace.
In his place, Michael Keane returned to the starting XI and Evertonians weren’t exactly delighted by that after a difficult start to the campaign for the centre-back.
However, he put in a very solid performance at the back and helped keep the clean sheet despite James Tarkowski’s best efforts next to him.
Tarkowski gave away a foolish penalty and made several mistakes but was either saved by Keane or Jordan Pickford on each occasion.
Pickford was imperious between the sticks as he saved Anthony Gordon’s penalty but Keane also impressed and has earned deserved praise from supporters.
Everton fans full of praise for Michael Keane
Everton fans were moved to praise Keane and give him fair credit for a good display.
One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Tarkowski’s form has absolutely deserted him. Really bad timing with Branthwaite out, Keane looking the more stable of the two at the moment.”
The sentiment was shared by another fan who said: “Say what you want about him but… Michael Keane has had a good game so far. James Tarkowski has looked fragile.”
Another added: “Keane having a blinder and he deserves recognition. We’re quick to slaughter him!”
Other fans also moved to suggest Tarkowski has been poor all season but Keane has taken the brunt of the blame.
“For all the stick Keane gets Tarkowski is having a shocker today,” one said, while another supporter wrote: “James Tarkowski has been a liability this season. Michael Keane been better all season, but no one wants to hear that.”
A new centre-back partnership going forward?
After such a poor display from Tarkowski, he must surely be dropped from the side for the pivotal clash against relegation rivals Ipswich Town after the international break.
With any luck, Branthwaite will have recovered from his quad strain in time to return for that massive match and that’s why he wasn’t risked on Saturday.
If Branthwaite does return, a partnership of him and Keane should be tested given Tarkowski’s depleting form.
Ipswich couldn’t be more must-win so the defence has to be water-tight.
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