Michael Keane Everton
Just a few weeks ago, Leeds United looked safe from falling back into the relegation battle, as they moved to 33 points, with six games left. Meanwhile Everton and Burnley were lagging significantly behind, albeit with games-in-hand. However, Burnley have been transformed since sacking Sean Dyche, taking advantage in their games-in-hand and drawing level with Leeds on points. Everton scored a late equaliser in one of their games-in-hand before picking up a win over Chelsea last weekend. They still retain a game-in-hand over Leeds and that is one of the reasons why Everton defender, Michael Keane feels confident that the Toffees have the advantage over Jesse Marsch’s side, as well as Burnley.
Michael Keane said: “Of the three teams, we are holding the strongest hand. Yes, we’re 18th right now and psychologically want to climb out of the bottom three as soon as possible. But we have the extra game to play, so it is in our hands, and we are full of confidence and belief after beating a quality side in Chelsea. Our away form has been a long way short of what is expected at this club. We are running out of time to address it but have two games in quick succession to improve the overall picture, with a match at Watford coming three days after Leicester. The recent away performances have been better, we have been tighter defensively and more threatening going forward. But the key to achieving the results we need is finding a way to replicate the intensity, togetherness and quality from our home games.”
Leeds currently have a two point gap over Everton but they may well need to deliver a result against Arsenal and Chelsea in order to put the pressure back on the Toffees. Otherwise, they will be reliant on Everton slipping up against Watford, who look doomed to be relegated.
