Jordan Pickford makes defiant claim about Everton star Michael Keane after horror showing vs Man City

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Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the weekend.

David Moyes’ side were unlucky to lose the game as they kept the reigning Premier League champions at bay up until the 84th minute.

Chris Sutton reckons James Tarkowski’s injury completely changed the game, as Michael Keane came on to replace him shortly after half-time.

Keane endured an afternoon to forget as he made a couple of key errors, which Man City punished him for.

Everton fans slammed Keane after the game and criticised Moyes for bringing him on over Nathan Patterson.

However, Jordan Pickford has now come out in defence of his Everton teammate, making a defiant claim.

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Jordan Pickford sympathises with Michael Keane after coming in from the cold vs Man City

Speaking to Everton’s website, Pickford sympathised with Keane following his disastrous substitute appearance on the weekend.

The Toffees’ shot-stopper made the point that it was difficult for Keane to come in from the cold, having only played two league minutes since the start of November.

“When Tarky’s played every minute of every game of the season and he comes off with an injury, it’s probably hard for Michael to come in and put the shirt on, but that’s why we train hard, everyone, on the training pitch, and to be ready to get the chance and take the chance when called upon,” Pickford explained.

“Hopefully Tarky’s alright first and foremost with his injury, but now it’s about training right next week and Michael getting his chance for Chelsea.”

David Moyes has big decision to make vs Chelsea

Everton are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Pickford appeared to indicate in his interview that Tarkowski would miss the trip to the capital, so instead of starting Keane, Moyes should seriously consider moving Jake O’Brien into his favoured centre-back position.

That would allow Nathan Patterson to start at right-back after impressing against Arsenal earlier this month.

Keane is set to leave Everton upon the expiry of his contract this summer, so Moyes should plan for the future and hand Patterson the opportunity to impress.