Martin Keown lambasts Mason Holgate in Everton 1-0 loss v Sheffield United
Martin Keown vented his frustration at Mason Holgate as Everton lost 1-0 to Sheffield United at Goodison Park on Sunday night.
Holgate, 24, has had a tumultuous time of it this season, impressing in the early part of the campaign before a torrid last few weeks that has seen him make plenty of mistakes in the Blues defence.
He was shaky in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on April 16 while he was dropped for the visit of Aston Villa earlier this month.
Holgate was back amongst it for the reverse fixture at Villa Park last Thursday however, with central defender Yerry Mina still absent.
On Sunday he once again lined up alongside Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane in the heart of defence against the rock-bottom Blades but there were nervous moments once again.
Ex-Blues defender Keown lambasted him on BT Sport’s live coverage of the game, after a mistake in the first half nearly let 17-year-old Daniel Jebbison extend the lead he had created for the visitors.
“Poor back pass from Holgate, it’s almost unforgivable there, just got to get that weight of pass correct but he’s onto it quickly [Jebbison],” he said.
Running out of time
Holgate needs to fix up, and fast.
He’s long been touted as a defender with huge promise after joining from Barnsley in 2015, but he’s showing signs of failing to live up to his early billing.
While he remains a valuable squad option given his versatility, there are huge question marks over whether he should be a first-team fixture.
Godfrey has surely usurped him in the centre of defence while Mina would likely be ahead of him in the pecking order if it wasn’t for his injuries, while Keane is also a regular in the side.
Everton are also expected to be in for a right-back this summer with the ageing Seamus Coleman our only natural player in that position.
That leaves Holgate’s Blues career at a clear crossroads, and there could be some big decisions being made after the campaign’s conclusion.
In other Everton news, ‘Just batter it’ – BT pundit blasts Blues star in first half v Sheffield United.
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