East London born Frank Lampard begun his second stint as a Premier League coach after joining Everton on January 31st, with a defeat against a rejuvenated Newcastle United.
Newcastle climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time this calendar year with their 3 – 1 victory at St James’s Park two days ago.
Speaking to reporters via zoom Lampard reflected on the game and although he is in no doubt of the task at hand he dismissed claims that his team are in a relegation battle.
“It is just words to say that [we are in a relegation battle]. Newcastle have been in it all season and had ups and downs.”
After taking the lead in the 33rd minute via a Jamaal Lascelles own goal and relinquishing it themselves via an own goal from Mason Holgate just minutes later, Everton were run ragged by Newcastle’s star performer Alain Saint-Maximin who helped create the second Magpies goal.
Limited Excuses
Lampard gave few excuses and was gracious in his team defeat.
“You have to give Newcastle credit, we expected crosses and balls into Wood (Newcastle’s new centre forward). It went that way and Saint-Maximin on a night like this is pretty unplayable
“It’s disappointing for the result. The main thing for me was how we dropped off in the game. At the weekend, the confidence went up but you could see how quickly that confidence went back down.”
Sitting three points clear of the relegation zone Everton’s next game is against Leeds United who sit one win above them.
Lampard’s Player/ Manager Record Vs Newcastle
As a player, Lampard won just seven of his 16 games on Tyneside with West Ham and Chelsea and his record as a manager is even worse.
Although Lampard triumphed on his previous visit to St James, with Chelsea, it is worth noting that game was played behind closed doors last season because of the pandemic.
In contrast, when the supporters were previously inside the stadium, Newcastle ended up beating Lampard’s Chelsea side 1-0 back in January, 2020.
Amazing Atmosphere
Lampard has friends who are Newcastle fans and the Everton boss certainly warned his players about the raucous atmosphere going to face under the lights.
”I told them to handle it. I’ve got experience of this atmosphere and it’s hot,” he added.
Lampard’s Priorities
New defenders. The defence against Newcastle was far from convincing. Lampard at his time at Chelsea didn’t fare well defensively with only Newcastle conceding more goals away from home.
Improving Striker depth and Central midfield. Everton lacked a clinical striker with Calvert Lewin out and Gomes was not good enough on the day.
Giving Anthony Gordon some game time. Anthony Gordon could do well for Frank Lampard. Gordon was Everton’s brightest spark in the opening period.
Image by jorono from Pixabay
