Roy Keane delivers surprise Goodison Park admission after Everton defeat to Manchester City
Roy Keane believes that the “emotions” of the Goodison Park crowd may have hindered Everton against Manchester City and they find it easier on the road where they can hit teams on the counter-attack.
Sean Dyche’s side were beaten 3-0 by Pep Guardiola’s champions-elect on Sunday (14 May) to leave the club just a point above the relegation zone with two games of the season remaining.
The Toffees are unbeaten in their last three away games in the Premier League, picking up draws against Crystal Palace and Leicester City as well as the 5-1 thumping of Brighton.
When asked whether Everton would remain in the Premier League this season, live on Sky Sports Super Sunday (14 May, 16:16pm), Keane admitted that the crowd pressure led to more nerves within the Everton ranks.
“It’s been tough going,” Keane said.
“In the last couple of games it’s been easier for Everton away from home – Brighton and at Leicester – playing on the counter-attack, but at home there’s obviously more emotions involved.
“There’s more tension, there’s more nerves, and as soon as the first goal goes in you think it’s a long way back for Everton.
“Sean Dyche will be disappointed, but they’ll write it off, they know they’ve got the big games coming up next week.
“I still think they have enough to get the couple of points they need, but they had to write that one off.”
Pressure
Sometimes the pressure of a jam-packed Goodison Park crowd can get to the players, but in this case, they were simply outclassed by a superb Manchester City side.
Despite a bright start that included plenty of effort, high pressing and tough tackling, as soon as Ilkay Gundogan broke the deadlock, there was only going to be one winner.
Right now Manchester City are inevitable, and no matter your gameplan, you’re likely to come up short.
Keane’s point about the Toffees enjoying the counter-attacking style of play is a valid one, with the likes of Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi loving the freedom they were awarded in the 5-1 thumping of Brighton.
Dyche’s side travel to the Molineux Stadium to face Wolves next week and will likely employ this exact tactic once again.
However, at a full capacity Goodison Park on the last day of the season, and facing a Bournemouth side which fans would hope Everton will dominate, the pressure could well get to the players.