Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern were damning of their side’s lacklustre display in defeat to Atalanta on Thursday night.
Ronald Koeman’s men earned the right to play Europa League group stage football following qualifying wins over Ruzomberok and Hajduk Split, but the Evertonians stood at the bar in the Tavern were far from pleased with what their team produced in Italy.
The Toffees went down 3-0 to the Serie A outfit, and Toffees supporters may be intrigued to hear what BT Sport’s Martin Keown has said (via The Liverpool Echo) in the aftermath of the defeat, specifically in relation to centre-back Michael Keane.
The 24-year-old only moved to Goodison Park back in the summer following an impressive spell at Burnley, and he has since played every minute of their nine matches in all competitions to emphasise his standing in Koeman’s plans.
However, Arsenal legend Keown has revealed that the England international should be taken out of the starting eleven against Manchester United on Sunday, saying: ‘Keane is just not getting tight there, I don’t know what it is with the player.
‘I think he is going to have to leave Keane out.
‘He’s not doing anything with any real purpose, he’s not getting across. ‘Is it my ball? Is it my team-mate’s?’’
These comments are sure to intrigue our resident Everton supporters, who have seen their side concede eight goals in their last three games, which includes back-to-back 3-0 defeats.
And with a daunting trip to Manchester United to come on Sunday, Koeman and his men must regroup and find a solution to their defensive woes in the next few days, but whether that means dropping Keane very much remains to be seen.
Landlord’s verdict: It seems a bit unfair to single Michael Keane out for criticism following Everton’s diabolic display in Atalanta on Thursday, but Martin Keown has done just that.
The Arsenal legend reckons that taking the England international out of the starting eleven could help them in a bid to solve their defensive problems, even though the 24-year-old has played every minute of the Toffees’ nine matches in all competitions this term.
Keane hasn’t suddenly become a bad player over the summer though – his struggles in defence are likely down to a wider defensive issue at Everton which, if isn’t fixed, could see manager Koeman come under serious pressure in the coming weeks and months.
Everton fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!
