Everton defender Michael Keane will be missing for the next three games after getting a red card against Wolves, meaning there’s a chance for one rarely seen player.
Michael Keane was sent off against Wolves for pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare in the 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday night.
The decision has been a major talking point, with many feeling the decision was harsh.
What on earth is the referee thinking here? 😡
ANOTHER shocking decision against Everton!
Leon Osman couldn’t understand why Keane was sent off, and plenty of fans have questioned the officiating of the incident since it happened.
David Moyes was incensed by the decision, but Everton will now be without Keane for the next three games.
But one man’s loss is another’s gain, with Nathan Patterson looking set for a chance.
Nathan Patterson surely replaces suspended Michael Keane
Whatever your feelings about the Keane red card, Everton will now need to make a change to their backline.
And it feels like a chance awaits Nathan Patterson.
Patterson has made just three first-team appearances this season, having struggled earlier in the campaign with injuries.
But against Nottingham Forest he made his first Premier League start of the season – and more could now follow as a result of Keane’s suspension.
Jake O’Brien has been criticised recently at right-back, so it would make sense to move the big man inside next to James Tarkowski, thus freeing up the right-back position for Patterson.
Jarrad Branthwaite remains out with a hamstring injury, as does Seamus Coleman.
So really, Moyes does not have a lot of other alternatives unless he signs someone. And until Everton do that, Patterson must make the most of any chances.
Patterson’s chance to stay at Everton
It was claimed last summer that Patterson had an agreement to join Sevilla.
But the move never materialised due to Juanlu Sanchez not being sold by the Spanish outfit.
Patterson stayed put, and leading up to the January window there have been suggestions he could yet move on.
Especially with Everton being linked to new right-backs, the latest being Wesley.
Keane’s red card presents a window of opportunity – if he takes it, then perhaps won’t spend on a new player.
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