View: Everton ace makes first-team statement after what he did v Ipswich

Sean Dyche has escaped a rut at Everton with their 2-0 win over Ipswich meaning they’ve now picked up eight points out of the last 12 available in the Premier League.

The manager’s future at Goodison Park had been under scrutiny, especially after their losses against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. However, the Merseyside outfit chose to stick by him and it’s seemingly working out.

Michael Keane was in stellar form at Portman Road on Saturday (19 October) with the centre-back bagging Everton’s second goal of the game after a beautiful finish that saw him hit the ball high into the top left corner after receiving a pass from Dwight McNeil.

The defender has been a first-team regular for Dyche this term due to the repeated injury issues that Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered from.

However, if his form from Saturday’s game carries over into their next clash against Fulham on 26 October, the 53-year-old may have a bit of a selection headache to deal with.

Michael Keane makes Everton first-team statement

Much like Dyche, Keane has found himself under plenty of scrutiny from fans and pundits alike this season.

However, his game against the Tractor Boys showed how much ability the centre-back still has and it has also shown that he can still perform to a good standard in the top flight.

Branthwaite’s return is now likely imminent and upon his reintegration, there’s no doubt that Dyche will slot him straight back into his first team.

However, he may have to think about who will be alongside him in his starting XI for their upcoming games.

James Tarkwoski has been in decent form this term but looking at both his and Keane’s recent games, the latter is clearly the one in better form.

His goal will have boosted his ranking in Saturday’s clash but he was also defensively solid. Keane maintained a 90 per cent pass accuracy, made seven clearances, blocked one shot and made one interception throughout the game (Sofascore).

There’s still plenty of time for things to change of course but, at the moment, it feels like Keane deserves his starting role and if he’s left out, Dyche may have a lot to answer for.

In other Everton news, an injury update for Youssef Chermiti has been shared.

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