Keane urges Everton to hit first goal for morale boost
Under-fire Everton are desperate for a morale boost in tonight’s Europa League group clash at home to Lyon.
The Toffees have gone behind in nine of their last 10 matches in a dismal run of form, and defender Michael Keane is determined to turn that around.
“The first goal is massive in every game. We need to get back to keeping clean sheets,” said the summer signing from Burnley.
“We did that a few times at the start of the season – and in pre-season as well – but we’ve come away from that for one reason or another.
“If we can take the lead, that will give all the lads a big boost. I think that’s what has been missing. When you concede first, sometimes heads can go down and it gives the other team a big lift.
“The first goal is massive. If we can get the first goal (against Lyon), it will get the fans behind us and gives everyone that bit more confidence.”
Ronald Koeman’s side are bottom in Group E with just one point from two games.
Home form has been a problem, but Keane sees positives from the weekend draw at Brighton.
“The team had a fantastic record at Goodison last season and that was something we wanted to continue,” he added.
“For one reason or another, that hasn’t happened so far, but all we can do is keep working hard to get it right. Our game at the weekend was much better in the way we played and we could have won that game.
“If we control games like we did against Brighton then we’ll give ourselves a much better chance.”
Arsenal are in Europa action away to Red Star Belgrade.