In-Form Keane On Everton's 'Massive' Statement

Michael Keane says Everton’s 2-1 victory over high-flying Leicester City at Goodison Park on Wednesday night was a “massive” statement of intent as the Blues aim to secure European qualification.

Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson were on target for Everton as Carlo Ancelotti’s men recorded a second successive Premier League win.

The Blues are now just two points behind seventh-placed Arsenal – a position that could bank a Europa League place.

After heading into the half-time interval two goals to the good, Leicester substitute Kelechi Iheanacho halved the deficit early in the second period.

Everton, with Keane faultless at centre-back, successfully withstood sustained pressure from the away side in the immediate aftermath of Iheanacho’s strike.

And after boss Ancelotti made some tactical adjustments - introducing substitutes Tom Davies and Yerry Mina to help nullify the Foxes’ attacks – Everton ultimately saw out the game with little alarm.

The Toffees are now unbeaten in nine Premier League matches at Goodison.

“It was a massive statement,” Keane said. “We spoke about that before the game.

“We want to get into Europe and tonight was a must-win, really.

“Everyone defended well to a man and worked really hard.

“I don’t think we showed our full quality on the ball.

“We had a few nice patches but we know we can play better. But the game was all about the result and we’ll take that all day.”

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02:51 Wed 01 Jul 2020

ANCELOTTI BUOYED BY BLUES' RESILIENCE

Everton manager reflects on 2-1 win against Leicester.


Keane made 12 clearances during the game – the highest total by any Premier League player in a top-flight contest this season.

The 26-year-old’s colossal display saw him named man-of-the-match for the second game running, having defended resolutely and headed the winner in last Wednesday’s 1-0 triumph at Norwich City.

The England centre-back – who became a father for the first time last week – set out his hunger to maintain his fine form for the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.

“The past 10 days have been really special,” he said.

“It’s important to build on this momentum now.

“I’ve had three good games [against Liverpool, Norwich and Leicester] but that’s not enough – I need to carry on until the end of the season.”

Fellow centre-back Mina made his first-team comeback in the win over the Foxes, having sat out the opening two games since the Premier League restart with a muscle injury.

Keane insists having several players scrapping for a starting spot is vital for the team’s progress.

“That’s the only way to push everyone in the squad,” he said.

“It’s been me and Mason [Holgate] at centre-back in the past three games but I’m sure Yerry will get his chance.

“If you want to be a top team, you’ve got to have competition in every position.”