Everton defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-4 at Goodison Park in a nine goal FA Cup classic which needed an extra-time Bernard goal to decide the outcome. 

The Toffees have not reached the quarter final in five seasons and take one step closer to their first Wembley final since 2009. 

  • Time for Silverware

Michael Keane says the club are doing everything they can to win silverware which has seen Evertonians endure a lengthy wait since last winning the competition in 1995.

He said: “I’ve seen videos from the past of the club winning trophies and it’s something we want and will do everything we can to make our own history.

“You feel good pressure from the supporters and it would be unbelievable to see. We have taken a step tonight but it is only the quarter final.”

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  • Never give in belief

Since a home defeat to Newcastle United two weeks ago, which resulted in club captain, Seamus Coleman, criticising the lack of ‘fight’, the Toffees have put together three battling and spirited performances to regain belief.

Everton fought back with the last kick off the game to rescue a point at Old Trafford and again came from behind against Spurs after conceding in the third minute.  

The England international, who has played the most minutes for Everton this season, says the teams never give in belief has been instilled by manager, Carlo Ancelotti.  

“It’s instilled in us from the manager who tells us to never give in.

“Every top team has great character and belief in their whole squad. It’s a massive quality and something we have developed over the last couple of years, I think this year it’s really been on show,” revealed the centre back.

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[Against Spurs] “We showed a lot of resilience, quality and character to bounce back so brilliantly. Everyone put in an unbelievable shift and the lads are all buzzing to go through.”

  • Defensive improvements

Keane has been a key figure in the Everton defence since signing from Burnley four seasons ago, and was awarded the ‘Blueblood’ award from Everton Chairman, Bill Kenwright, in 2019 for showing heart, character, resilience and a massive amount of talent.

Despite his defensive heroics, Keane has played his part in the Toffees’ attacking department- scoring four goals this campaign. However, in what is usually a strength for the Toffees, defending corners became their weakness against Spurs as three of the four goals conceded came from crosses into the box. 

The former Manchester United academy graduate, who has the fourth highest headed clearances (91) in the Premier League this season, says it will be worked on before hosting Fulham on Sunday.

“It’s hard to say when we conceded four goals but in general play we defended well.

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“Our defending of set plays let us down. I don’t think we have to get carried away as it’s been really good pretty much all season but it’s something we need to address and will look at over the next couple of days.”

Everton will now host Manchester City in the next round across the weekend of 20 March for a place in the semi-final at Wembley.

Interview from Everton Fc website. 

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