Michael Keane stated that he and his Everton teammates are eager to deliver an even higher performance against Nottingham Forest to repay the loyal away fans. He previously admitted that the 0-0 draw against Burnley felt more like a drop in points than a gain.  

Everton have had a stellar away record this season, achieving several notable results, including their first ever win at Old Trafford against Manchester United since 2013 and their first-ever Premier League victory at the Vitality Stadium.  

Amid a cluster of injuries, coupled with Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye's absence with the Senegalese national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, David Moyes' Everton first team is short-handed. Despite this, the team managed to keep a clean sheet in their last away game against Burnley. However, after the match, defender Michael Keane admitted in an interview with Everton TV that the team's overall performance had not reached the level expected this season.  

Michael Keane said: "I don't think we played well today. We struggled to find our rhythm from the start. Burnley's high press caused us a lot of trouble, but we should have been more decisive in possession, made more passes, and controlled the game better. However, we failed to create effective pressure and didn't create many chances, so it was a very difficult game. I think the only bright spot was that we eventually held our goal and got a point."  

"While keeping a clean sheet is undoubtedly a good thing, I won't consider it an advantage we can rely on. Before the Nottingham Forest game, we still have many areas to improve. There are many aspects of the team that can be enhanced, and quite a few details that need adjustment. To be fair, our away form has been good so far this season, and our passing has improved since the Burnley game, so finding that form is our focus going forward."  

Everton will face Shane Dyche's Nottingham Forest away in the next round. In the last match, Nottingham Forest suffered a controversial 1-2 defeat to Manchester City in the final stages.  

Michael Keane said: "We hope to respond. I understand we didn't lose to Burnley, but judging from the performance, it felt like a defeat. Hopefully, the team can prepare well in the next few days and put on a good performance against Nottingham Forest."  

"The fans here are always very supportive, especially around this time of year. They follow the team wherever we go, and the away stands are always packed. We believe they will support us the same way against Nottingham Forest. The game against Burnley may have been a bit of a disappointment for them, so we hope to give them a great performance and leave them with smiles on their faces."