Roy Keane praised Everton star for monstrous performance to keep Newcastle at bay. Even Shearer has to agree. He was in total control

Roy Keane Lauds Everton’s Never-Say-Die Spirit After Stunning Newcastle Comeback

In the Sky Sports studio immediately after Everton’s exhilarating 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on February 28, 2026, Roy Keane couldn’t contain his admiration for the Toffees’ fighting display—particularly the “monstrous” contributions that turned the game in stoppage time. The former Manchester United captain, known for his demands of character and grit, singled out the team’s resilience as Everton twice fought back from equalizers to claim all three points in a breathless finale.

“That was proper Everton—heart, guts, and no surrender,” Keane boomed live on air. “They went behind late, but came roaring back. Branthwaite was monstrous at the back all game, winning everything, then the subs—Barry especially—showed killer instinct. Newcastle threw everything at them, but Everton kept them at bay until the death and then struck. That’s how you win ugly and beautiful at the same time. Monstrous mentality!”

The match had it all: Branthwaite’s early header, quickfire responses from Ramsey and Beto, and then the late drama with Murphy’s equalizer undone by Barry’s winner moments later. Keane emphasized the defensive foundation that allowed Everton to launch those counter-attacks.

Remarkably, Alan Shearer—Newcastle’s record goalscorer and Keane’s old on-pitch foe—nodded in agreement despite the home defeat. “Painful as it is to admit as a Geordie, Roy’s right,” Shearer said with a rueful grin. “Everton defended like lions, especially Branthwaite—he was immense. Then that late show of character… fair play. They wanted it more in those final minutes. Newcastle had chances, but Everton’s spirit won it.”

The panel erupted in laughter at the rare harmony between the two legends, with host Kelly Cates joking, “The Keane-Shearer bromance is official!” Keane fired back, “Even Alan knows when defending’s top-class,” while Shearer added, “Coming from the hardest man in football, that’s praise indeed.”

This result highlights Everton’s growing belief under their management, with young talents like Branthwaite and impact subs proving decisive. For Newcastle, it’s a frustrating third straight home league loss, but the entertainment value was off the charts.

As Keane signed off: “Football’s about moments like that—pure passion. Everton delivered today.”