Keane: We Now Have A Blueprint To Follow

Michael Keane set out Everton’s resolve to maintain their momentum when Arsenal visit Goodison Park on Sunday after a performance at West Ham United which he rated as “in the top three since I’ve been" at the Club.

The Blues bossed the game from start to finish in a 2-0 success at the London Stadium last weekend and will now head into the clash with Unai Emery’s Gunners aiming for a third straight top-flight victory.

Keane delivered a typically resolute, composed display against West Ham.

As well as helping to prevent the home team creating any clear-cut chances – the Hammers mustered only one shot on target during the game – the centre-back regularly launched Everton attacks with his crisp, accurate passing.

Indeed, his pass completion rate of 87.5 per cent was the highest of any player who completed the full match in the capital.

Keane, who joined Everton from Burnley in the summer of 2017, highlighted the fact the Blues sustained their dominance for the game’s entirety as a significant step forward.

He says Everton are eager to continue performing in the same vein in their remaining six Premier League matches.

“In terms of performances, I think last week’s is probably in the top three since I’ve been at the Club,” he told evertonfc.com.

“I don’t think there are many games where we have played as well for 90 minutes straight.

“There have been games where we have had really good halves, but I think we dominated for 90 minutes. It was very pleasing.

“The mood is very positive in the squad and hopefully we can keep it up.

“We need to be consistent and keep playing to that level week in, week out.”


Keane has been a near ever-present for the Toffees this season.
 
No outfield Everton player has clocked more Premier League minutes than the 26-year-old, and the defender’s consistently impressive displays have seen him win a place in the England squad.

During the recent international break, he played a full part as the Three Lions racked up successive thumping victories.

Gareth Southgate’s team beat Czech Republic 5-0 at Wembley before Keane headed his maiden England goal in a comprehensive 5-1 win in Montenegro.

Keane is now aiming to continue his commanding form for Everton as he aims to help the Blues build on their fine defensive record.

The Blues go into Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal having secured four clean sheets in their past five Premier League matches.

“That record is pleasing,” he added. “It’s a target of ours before we go into every game to keep a clean sheet. 

“But you’ve got to give credit to the whole team – you start defending from the front and we work really hard as a team. 

“And I think we have really improved. Now we just want to carry on our form until the end of the season.”