Martin Keown amazed by change in ‘inspired’ Everton defender Ben Godfrey after Man United win
Martin Keown was at a loss to explain the improvement in Everton defender Ben Godfrey after his performance in the 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The former Norwich man was a rock at the back for Frank Lampard’s side, as the visitors attempted to mount a comeback at Goodison Park, repelling cross after cross with his head.
After one such incidence around the hour mark, former Arsenal Invincible Keown noted the major improvement between the performance in the game today (9 April) and the crushing 3-2 loss at Burnley earlier this week (6 April).
Speaking on the BT Sport match broadcast the former Toffees defender said (02.40pm): “I don’t know what they’ve done with him since the Burnley loss but he’s been brilliant on crosses.
A few minutes later, after the 24-year-old thwarted another United attack, Keown added: “He’s inspired today at the back there.”
Growth
Whatever the secret to the improvement from Godfrey and a number of his teammates, Lampard would do well to hone in on it for the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was in the sort of form he displays in an England shirt that inspires such loyalty from Gareth Southgate.
And even embattled centre-back partner Michael Keane, who at times in recent weeks has appeared overwhelmed by the pressure, was looking more like the international he used to be.
The return of Fabian Delph looked to be a pick part of the improvement, as his first appearance in months was strong.
The encouragement that can be taken from beating a side they were not expected to cancels out the disappointment of losing to one they were supposed to beat at Turf Moor.
But the job is not done, and there have been too many false dawns, followed by depressingly familiar flops for anyone to get ahead of themselves yet.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports shares footage of an “incident” between Cristiano Ronaldo and a fan that is being looked into.
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