Jordan Pickford makes defiant claim about Everton star Michael Keane after horror showing vs Man City..
Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the weekend.
David Moyes’ side were unlucky to lose the game as they kept the reigning Premier League champions at bay up until the 84th minute.
Chris Sutton reckons James Tarkowski’s injury completely changed the game, as Michael Keane came on to replace him shortly after half-time.
Keane endured an afternoon to forget as he made a couple of key errors, which Man City punished him for.
Everton fans slammed Keane after the game and criticised Moyes for bringing him on over Nathan Patterson.
However, Jordan Pickford has now come out in defence of his Everton teammate, making a defiant claim.
READ MORE: Everton’s bid to sign £30m Jarrad Branthwaite replacement dealt major blow in the last 48 hours
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images..
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jordan Pickford sympathises with Michael Keane after coming in from the cold vs Man City
Speaking to Everton’s website, Pickford sympathised with Keane following his disastrous substitute appearance on the weekend.
The Toffees’ shot-stopper made the point that it was difficult for Keane to come in from the cold, having only played two league minutes since the start of November.
“When Tarky’s played every minute of every game of the season and he comes off with an injury, it’s probably hard for Michael to come in and put the shirt on, but that’s why we train hard, everyone, on the training pitch, and to be ready to get the chance and take the chance when called upon,” Pickford explained.
“Hopefully Tarky’s alright first and foremost with his injury, but now it’s about training right next week and Michael getting his chance for Chelsea.”
David Moyes has big decision to make vs Chelsea
Everton are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Pickford appeared to indicate in his interview that Tarkowski would miss the trip to the capital, so instead of starting Keane, Moyes should seriously consider moving Jake O’Brien into his favoured centre-back position.
That would allow Nathan Patterson to start at right-back after impressing against Arsenal earlier this month.
Keane is set to leave Everton upon the expiry of his contract this summer, so Moyes should plan for the future and hand Patterson the opportunity to impress.
Nick Pope’s proposed summer move in jeopardy as switch is now deemed too expensive for Leeds United..
Very recently, it was reported that Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope would be Leeds United-bound in the summer as the club looks to replace disaster artist Illan Meslier.
Leeds United are within touching distance of promotion (at time of writing, but may well have sealed it if Burnley manage to take any points off Sheffield United), and they will know that a Championship side won’t last in the Premier League without additions.
They certainly won’t last with Illan Meslier as their first-choice goalkeeper. It has been thanks to Leeds’ rampant attack that they have managed to sustain a charge on the top of the table, in spite of having a human Polo Mint in goal.
Former Magpie Karl Darlow has taken over first-team duties for the rest of the season it seems, but Leeds are keen to add quality to their ranks ahead of next season.
Leeds United could walk away from Nick Pope and turn attention elsewhere
Two players they’ve had in mind were Newcastle’s Nick Pope, with some reports suggesting that a deal would be done in the summer. Their alternative was Burnley’s James Trafford, who, ironically, has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United.
However, The Sun’s Alan Nixon has now poured cold water on Pope’s potential move to Elland Road, suggesting that a deal could prove too costly for Leeds.
“Now Sam Johnstone is on their radar as moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Newcastle’s Nick Pope may be too dear and difficult.
“Johnstone, who only signed for Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer for a fee of £10 million, is seen as a decent alternative given his experience and pedigree.”
Are Newcastle asking for more than £10m for Nick Pope?
Newcastle paid £10 million for Nick Pope in 2022, so it would suggest, based on what Nixon is saying, that the Magpies are looking to make a profit on the 33-year-old if Leeds feel they can get Sam Johnstone for less than Pope.
Pope has been a great servant for Newcastle and has made some absolutely monumental saves, but his injury record and his inability to kick a ball do make him a bit of a liability at times.
James Trafford may not be everyone’s first choice, but he has been an absolute beast between the sticks for Burnley this season and he is just a baby in goalkeeping terms, so we definitely back his arrival as a good move.
We’re not convinced about letting Nick Pope go, though, we feel he still has plenty to offer and would be fantastic to have around to help Trafford’s development.
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