Sean Dyche must axe Michael Keane despite what he did in Everton loss v Bournemouth
Sean Dyche will need to make several tough decisions during the international break as Everton prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday (14 September).
The Toffees manager is already under considerable pressure, having started the new Premier League campaign awfully, with opening defeats to Brighton and Tottenham.
It looked as though they were about to secure their first three points of the campaign against Bournemouth, taking a 2-0 lead through Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
However, what looked like, a consolation goal from Antoine Semenyo sparked a comeback from the Cherries as Lewis Cook and Luis Sinisterra netted in added time to secure a shock 3-2 win at Goodison Park.
The result has seen Dyche come under heavy pressure, with David Moyes already being mooted as a potential replacement [Daily Mail], so he must make some drastic decisions during the international break.
Sean Dyche to axe Michael Keane ahead of Everton v Aston Villa
Fans have continued to be speechless as Keane continues to make the starting XI, especially after making just four Premier League starts last season and new signing Jake O’Brien waiting on the bench.
Despite scoring the opener at Goodison Park, it could be the 31-year-old centre-back who makes way as Dyche looks to close shut his defensive line after conceding 10 goals in their opening three fixtures.
Having played the full 90 minutes, with O’Brien unable to get off the bench, Keane made 43 touches – one fewer than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (44) – and highlighted his inability in defence [FotMob].
The centre-back won zero per cent of his ground duels (0/2) as well as only 50 per cent of his aerial duels, being dribbled past on one occasion and picking up a needless yellow card after a spat with Semenyo.
Of course, it is difficult for anyone to fill Jarrad Branthwaite’s boots. The 22-year-old ranks in the top 80 percentile for tackles, interceptions, clearances and aerials won, and the top 74 percentile for blocks [FBref].
The hope will be that Branthwaite will be available for the trip to Villa Park after the international break, which should see Keane immediately dropped to the bench.
In other Everton news, Serge Aurier sent a message the Toffees confirmed a new signing on deadline day.
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