The centre back sat down with the ECHO to discuss his standout campaign, the drama that has followed him on the pitch this season, and his resurgence at Everton
David Moyes reacts to Michael Keane's excellent display in the win over Chelsea. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
David Moyes reacts to Michael Keane's excellent display in the win over Chelsea. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
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It is a topic that has been widely debated but for Michael Keane the verdict is crystal clear - he did not mean to pull the hair of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare.
It was one of the season’s stranger moments and an immediate talking point as supporters and pundits disputed the controversial red card that followed. There was little to argue about in the opinion of David Moyes, who said he was “angry” when the club’s appeal was rejected.
From Keane’s point of view, the incident was an accident, one that came in an important game in which his first half header had given the Blues the lead [the match finished 1-1]. “I was gutted because I felt like I was playing so well”, he said. “I thought it was a nothing sending off to be honest. Some people don't believe me, I did not mean to pull his hair… it was just a natural jump and his hair basically fell into my hand.”
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Keane’s record over a distinguished 15-year career backs up his words. Across his rise at Manchester United, several loan moves and stints at Burnley and now Everton, there has been nothing to suggest the 33-year-old would intend an act deemed as “violent conduct” by officials on that January night at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
For a player recognised as a model professional and a trusted, calm head by teammates and Moyes, it has been an eventful season. He also found himself at the centre of another bizarre red card - at Old Trafford in November when Idrissa Gueye struck him in the face. Gueye was sent off for that clash before Keane helped Everton to a valiant win - the centre back’s first success at the home of the club where he started his career.
The pair moved on quickly, the Senegal international apologising to Keane and the rest of the squad in the dressing room and on social media. “It was fine”, Keane laughed as he reflected on the incident with the ECHO. “I spoke to him after the game and he gave me a call again after that as well and, yeah, we were fine.”
Away from the drama that has followed him through this campaign, it has been a standout season on the pitch for Keane. He entered last summer expecting to leave Everton, the club he joined from Burnley in a £30m deal in 2017 and where he has had a rollercoaster career.
There have been highs and lows during a period of turbulence on and off the pitch at the club but throughout Keane has impressed those around him with his maturity and dedication to supporting the efforts of the team, even when he has endured spells without playing.
The best moments have included several of the stunning collection of goals he has amassed in Royal Blue. Some were spectacular - his late thunderbolt against Tottenham Hotspur and his rifled strike at Ipswich Town have leant credence to the widely-held view he has been (and still is) the best finisher at a club that has lacked a ruthless forward.
None were more important than his effort against Crystal Palace under Frank Lampard, though. The first goal in the comeback win that saved Everton from relegation, it is often forgotten about when Blues remember the beautiful chaos that followed. His goal was the catalyst for what happened next though.
What has been most impressive about Keane’s importance is that he has fought back from low points, when his value has been questioned by some during the times of struggle. He has shown immense resilience to prove his worth and is now held in high regard after a stellar 12 months across this season and the end of the last campaign.
Keane acknowledged it meant a lot to him that he had been able to earn the trust of supporters again. He said: “To turn that around [is special] … for me to firstly do it for myself and show what I can do, but then to also get the support of the fans because of that, it has been amazing. It's really given me a boost and it definitely makes you feel stronger, feel faster.
“When you're on the pitch and you know you've got their support, it gives you that little edge and I've felt that all season. I would like to say a big thank you to them. I do also realise that I need to keep going. But, like I said, I've really enjoyed it. I've been in really good form and they've helped a lot, so thank you.”
Keane felt as though he was on trial in the final games of last season, when he was serenaded by the away end after scoring in the comeback win at Fulham and then stood like a giant in the victory at Newcastle United.
It initially appeared that would not be enough, despite Moyes going public in his praise for the defender. With his contract due to expire, he spoke to other clubs while Everton also looked elsewhere - going as far as lining up Brighton’s Adam Webster as a potential replacement.
The Blues, led by Moyes, then prompted the conversation that led to an extension and a deal that has proved vital while Jarrad Branthwaite has battled with hamstring issues.
Keane has now played 27 times in the league this season, most recently in the statement win over Chelsea before the international break, becoming a key figure in a campaign that could end in European football. It is some turn in fortunes at a club that has spent recent years battling relegation.
Ready for the challenge, he said: “It's been our target since the start of the season and we've got ourselves in a position with seven games to go where we've got a real chance. I think the next two games are huge for us - Brentford away and Liverpool at home. If we come away from them with some good results then we're right in the picture and anything can happen. We're looking forward to it. We're excited by it.”