Michael Keane spoke to the media after Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Keane started next to Jake O’Brien in the heart of Everton’s defence, with James Tarkowski missing from the squad.
The 33-year-old produced a strong performance at the Emirates Stadium, and almost kept a clean sheet to hold Arsenal to a goalless draw.
How have we come away from that with nothing? 😫
David Moyes, head coach of Everton, issues instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse
Ultimately, Gyokeres and Max Dowman scored late goals to sink the Toffees to a first away defeat since December.
Despite coming away with nothing in North London, Keane noted that there was one silver lining in his post-match interview with Everton’s website.
Michael Keane says Everton have shown they can compete with the very best
Keane explained that Everton can be proud of their performance as they showed they can compete with the very best in the Premier League, with the title-favourites having to work extremely hard for the three points.
“I think it shows we can compete with anybody,” the former Burnley defender stated.
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“I think we’ve been amazing away from home all season. We were so close again today. Even with some injuries, and people missing from the squad, people have come in and put in an amazing shift and played really well.
Who was your Man of the Match in what was a positive performance? 👏
The players deserved so much more… 😡
Michael Keane in action for Everton during a Premier League clash against Arsenal
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
“That’s the kind of squad you need, it’s the kind of mentality you need when you’re trying to push up the league and try to get into the European places ourselves.
“So we’ve just got to continue that… we know the quality is there, we know the mentality is there. We’ve got eight massive games to go, we need a big push now.”
Keane was asked whether Everton, who reside a point behind seventh place, can still qualify for Europe.
The Toffees star replied: “Yeah we’re right in the mix. There’s a lot of football left to play… matches to be won… so anything could happen.
“But yeah, we are definitely in the mix. Probably three of four teams (are). We’ll give it our best shot and see what happens.”
Mikel Arteta admitted that Everton are a really good side in his post-match interview, so there’s good reason to be confident about a top-seven finish.
Conference League football could earn the Toffees up to £35m.
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