Keane Reveals Positives From Strong Everton Showing

Michael Keane believes Everton put in a performance they “can be pleased with” in Saturday afternoon’s goalless draw against Aston Villa.

The Blues were the dominant side at Hill Dickinson Stadium, recording 20 shots, including 15 from inside the penalty area, while keeping a clean sheet to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.

Everton defender Keane gave his immediate reaction after the game, explaining: “I thought we were really good. I thought we got on the front foot and made it really tough for Aston Villa. I think on another day, it's a game we win. 

“I think we had the chances, and I think a lot of chances were really close to being good chances, but it just didn't quite happen for us today. 

“But I think the performance was really good and one to be happy with it.”

Three of Everton’s 20 opportunities fell to Keane, who says he takes confidence from getting in the right areas, but admits disappointment at not being able to find a decisive goal.

“To be fair, the first one is not an easy header,” he recalled. “The second one is a great save from the keeper, and the third one, I feel like I was stretching for it. 

“I was in the positions and had some great deliveries, so on another day I'm sure I could have scored one or two, but I think the more you keep getting in those positions, the more likely you are to score. I’m disappointed we couldn’t get the win.”

Chances were plentiful for the Toffees, who also put in a sturdy defensive showing, reducing the visiting Villa to just a single shot on target.

A clean-sheet display was another pleasing aspect of the outing, says Keane, who also explained how Everton look more threatening in attack since the loan addition of Jack Grealish.

“[Villa have] got some really good players and the way we defended as a whole team from the front, I thought was really good and we made it difficult for them,” he added.

“We were on the front foot; we pressed them really well and I'm sure they'll go home thinking they had a really tough afternoon. So, yeah, I was happy about it.

“I think we've got to get the ball to [Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish] as much as we can. They're our danger men and we know how good they are. 

“They drive us up the pitch, they create chances, they score goals. We're very lucky to have them and we need them to keep playing well.”