Michael Owen slammed Michael Keane for his defensive problems during Everton’s 4-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The former England striker said Bukayo Saka, who opened the scoring for Mikel Arteta’s men, knew Keane “didn’t smell any danger” when he shot past Jordan Pickford’s goal.
Keane’s last start for the Toffees was against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last season, conceding five goals.
That was under Frank Lampard’s management, and despite the presence of his old Burnley boss Sean Dyche this time around, his performance levels still haven’t improved.
All are worrying signs for Everton, with Michael Owen critical of centre-backs As he told Premier League Productions (01/03/23 at 8:45pm).
“Everton held on for quite a long time,” Owen said. “But then it was the real quality that broke the ice.
“In terms of their switch (Tarkowski and Keane), you make a good point. He’s played once (Tarkowski with an Arsenal striker).
“Suddenly Michael Keane believed that Saka wasn’t the problem. We kept going, the ball was halfway there and Keane was still on the front foot – he (Saka) realized that Michel Keane didn’t smell any danger.”
Can DYCHE keep Everton ahead?
From Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s ongoing injuries, to another failed signing, this time for Neal Maupay, who has scored a Premier League goal since his move from Brighton.
With seasoned pro Idrissa Gueye once again committing defensive errors, a lack of goal threat and defensive issues, Sean Dyche will now be fully aware of the magnitude of the club’s problems.
They still have hope of relegation, because they did it last season, Goodison Park fans, those recent back-to-back 1-0 victories, I believe the fans will believe in Dyche.
But, once again, it looks like it’s going straight to the finish line, which will test the hearts of those Everton fans.
In other news, ‘phenomenal’ Nottingham Forest target Abdel Ezalzuli proves he’s a ‘genius’
