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The Premier League title race is building a head of steam, and Aston Villa have been given a bit of encouragement ahead of a grudge match
Aston Villa have been given a boost to their hopes of catching Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The Villans are just six points behind Mikel Arteta's side, who failed to extend their advantage at the top of the table on Thursday night.
After Aston Villa and Manchester City were held to draws by Crystal Palace and Brighton, respectively, the Gunners had the chance to go eight points clear. But Arsenal squandered the opportunity, tying with Liverpool.
As the title race builds a head of steam, the smallest of margins could prove decisive come May. So, Mikel Arteta will be disappointed to hear that Everton were unsuccessful in their appeal against Michael Keane's recent dismissal.
The Toffees defender was controversially sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare's hair during Wednesday evening's 1-1 draw to Wolves. Following a review by the Video Assistant Referee, Keane was adjudged to have committed an act of violent conduct, so he was sent for an early bath.
Everton appealed the decision, which was rejected by an FA panel. In an official statement, the Toffees expressed their 'disappointment' and described the three-game suspension as 'clearly excessive'.
Keane will miss this weekend's clash against Sunderland in the FA Cup, as well as two Premier League games against Aston Villa and Leeds United. The 32-year-old defender has started all but two of Everton's matches in the English top flight this season, so his absence will come as a huge boost for Unai Emery's side.
When faced by reporters on Friday morning, David Moyes came out swinging. On the FA's decision to reject the appeal, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the Scotsman said: "Hugely disappointed.
"Hugely surprised. Probably more angry with the panel who thought that was the case. Because as a panel, it is the panel who sits and looks at it. I know who the three of them are on the panel.
"I am absolutely amazed that they didn't in any way overturn it. To say it was violent conduct. We saw it last night. It is OK to throw a ball at somebody, OK to push them, lift them up with a bad injury.
"A little pull of someone's hair accidentally means that there will be a three-game ban, which is quite extraordinary to me..."
Moyes continued: "It shouldn't be any games [banned]. I am more embarrassed for whoever is on VAR. This is a young referee doing only his third or fourth game and VAR gave him a terrible decision.
"What Keane has done is a three game [ban] and a sending off, but the tackle was a nothing in the game and not recognised by VAR or the referee and nothing was given for it. Sounds as if they have got all the things in the wrong places at the moment."
The Everton boss concluded: "I can only say what I think. I can't talk too much, or they will be fining me for saying something out of order. But, if they want us to come on your programmes and talk, then surely we should be allowed to speak the truth and say how we feel.
"That's how I feel. It sounds like inconsistencies, but I have not got a big problem with it. I want them to do their job the best they can. But, if that's the best they can do at the moment, then I think they're in a difficult position."
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