Rafael Benitez’s Everton tenure got off to a rocky start on Saturday afternoon as Adam Armstrong fired Southampton in front.
The Saints’ new signing profited from a Michael Keane mistake to score for the visitors on his debut.
What happened in the first half at Goodison Park?
Keane received the ball from Abdoulaye Doucoure around 30 yards from his own goal and was under no immediate pressure.
However, he seemed to be caught in two minds, and his hesitation allowed Armstrong to close him down. The former Blackburn Rovers man was able to poke the ball to strike partner Che Adams, who then set him through for the opener. [Sky Sports]
Keane, who started alongside Mason Holgate in the heart of the Everton defence with Ben Godfrey absent, earned a SofaScore rating of 6.1 for the first half. That was the lowest in the Everton team.
He lost possession on seven occasions over the course of the 45 minutes, including the error which led to the goal for Armstrong.
Everton fans tear into Keane after Southampton error
These Everton fans were far from pleased with the England international’s first half display, with some supporters blasting him as “lazy”.
“Keane and Holgate are lazy unfocused defenders fuming, awful mistake”
Credit: @PurserAsh_
“Bloody Keane”
Credit: @ADAL12
“Michael Keane, get out of my club”
Credit: @Evertxn
“Keane is a clown. Nothing new here.”
Credit: @SK21878
“It’s fine, I just don’t want to see Keane starting again with the other options we have”
Credit: @ad1_2102
“What the hell are you doing, Keane, my god”
Credit: @SheaVedIce
In other news, many Everton fans react to interest in this Euro 2020 star.
