Everton star who almost left in the summer is now indispensable to David Moyes
Everton extended their unbeaten streak to four games across all competitions on Saturday.
In what was ultimately a scrappy affair, Everton drew 0-0 with Aston Villa despite enjoying the bulk of the chances.
David Moyes’ side took 20 shots and created over two expected goals, but failed to find a way past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Merlin Rohl made his Everton debut and impressed, making several defensive contributions in his short time on the pitch.
Beto missed a great chance to win the game for Everton, however, throwing further doubt on Moyes’ decision to start him over Thierno Barry.
Michael Keane proves Everton importance vs Villa
Leon Osman hailed the impact of Michael Keane for Everton this season, after the defender had started the season in fine form.
The defender had been set to leave the Toffees in the summer, with his contract expiring at the end of last season.
That was until Everton handed the 32-year-old a new one-year contract, with the club reportedly holding the option for a further year extension.
And Keane has re-paid that decision yet again, after a stellar performance against Villa on Saturday.
| Michael Keane | Vs Aston Villa (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Pass accuracy | 85% |
| Big chances | 2 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Duels won | 5 |
The Englishman was voted player of the match by the Everton fans, after a performance that saw him heavily involved in both boxes.
Keane registered seven defensive contributions and won the majority of his duels, excelling when in the face of one of the Premier League’s most efficient strikers in Ollie Watkins.
And the former Manchester United centre-half could have got the winner on two separate occasions, attacking the ball well to head just wide from two Jack Grealish crosses.
David Moyes set for Jarrad Branthwaite decision
Jarrad Branthwaite has been missing for the entirety of the season so far, after receiving a setback to a hamstring injury suffered at the end of last season.
But the England international is set to return in the coming games, and Moyes will be faced with a difficult decision.
James Tarkowski and Keane have formed a strong partnership, keeping two clean sheets from their four Premier League matches together.
- Jarrad Branthwaite appeared in 30 Premier League games last season alongside James Tarkowski, who appeared in 33.
- Michael Keane appeared in just 14 for Everton, established as a clear third choice.
Branthwaite’s quality cannot be ignored, however, and the defender will likely be drafted back into the starting line-up – but for who?
Tarkowksi has always been the preferred option for Moyes and his predecessors, but Keane’s performances may well have the Scot re-thinking that allegiance.
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