Roy Keane shares what he noticed about Everton after watching them play Man City last week

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Everton are still looking to land their first win of 2024, and Monday’s clash against Crystal Palace feels like an excellent opportunity.

It’s fair to say the uncertainty surrounding Goodison Park hasn’t helped Sean Dyche’s side.

Everton are yet to find out the result of their appeal against their 10-point Premier League deduction, with mixed messages emerging over when the verdict will be released.

We could see some clarity over the coming days, with well-respected journalist Alan Myers suggesting a decision could be made by next week.

The sooner, the better for Dyche and the players. Should points be reinstated, the Toffees will pull well clear of the relegation zone.

However, recent performances have been a concern, particularly in an attacking sense, and Roy Keane hasn’t held back on what he saw against Manchester City last weekend.

Roy Keane delivers Everton verdict after Manchester City defeat

Pep Guardiola’s side are often far too good for most.

A 2-0 defeat is by no means the worst result for Dyche’s side; plenty of teams have been humiliated at The Etihad.

Nevertheless, Keane felt the hosts made the Toffees look like a “lower league” side last weekend.

Talking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Keane said: “They played Everton last week, and it’s not just Everton, but they looked like they were a lower league team who had gone there in a cup match and were just hanging in there all game, yet you are going you are in the same league as them.”

Games against Manchester City won’t define Everton’s season; next week’s Premier League verdict and games against the lesser sides will.

Palace are in poor form heading to Merseyside, just five points ahead of Everton. Furthermore, it’s unclear who will be in the dugout for the trip to Goodison Park.

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook brandished the Selhurst Park situation “unsavoury”, with the club yet to confirm or deny reports of the 76-year-old’s departure.

“I think it is a very unsavoury situation if Hodgson even has to front up to the media today and answer questions when everyone in the room knows his time at Palace is coming to an end,” he said.

“If he does have to board the coach to Everton on Monday for what is a massive game it has to be said, is quite frankly a ridiculous situation.”

With Palace seemingly in turmoil, anything less than three points for Everton is unacceptable.