Buzzing Lampard sends message to fans as he names three star Everton men crucial to win
Frank Lampard feels Everton finally found a response to their supporters’ demands after lauding three men in particular for their vital 1-0 win over Manchester United at Goodison Park.
The mood around the Toffees has been increasingly bleak off the back of a barren run of form. That has drawn the Toffees right into the relegation mix, a fact emphasised by Wednesday’s frustrating 3-2 loss at Burnley. As such, Saturday lunchtime’s game against the Red Devils took on added importance.
As it was, a deflected Anthony Gordon strike was enough to seal a crucial 1-0 win. You can see how we rated Everton’s performance right here.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Lampard was understandably delighted at the win.
Lampard had faced questions over his future this week, but he hopes the win answered them in some fashion.
Furthermore, Lampard also feels the win was the perfect response to their supporters, who have called for more from the players.
“It feels really good. Big win, big day,” Lampard said. “The reality of our position is clear, you could feel that in the stadium. The fighting spirit and qualities that we showed is big for us. We need to replicate that. If we carry on in the same vein, we’re confident.”
Lampard is well aware of the qualities of matchwinner Gordon and picked him out for praise.
Praise for Delph and Pickford
However, the Toffees boss was also quick to praise the experience of both Fabian Delph and Jordan Pickford.
“In these situations I’m the biggest advocate of youth and young players, but the balance of the team is important.
“Experienced players make the big difference. They’ve been around the block. [Fabian] Delph brought that to us with his positional play. [Jordan] Pickford made a save at the end as well – that’s why he’s England’s number one.
“We were due a game where we don’t start so well and get a goal, which was a deflection. It was important the performance went that way today to show the players know how to dig in and win games.
“We should have had points in both games [at Burnley and West Ham]. The easy reaction on the outside is negative. What I learned about myself is that you must be positive, keep the lads positive. The lads are desperate to do well for this club. A mistake here and there is normal. When they fight like the did today, they can do great things.
“We’ve won some games and we haven’t gone again. We’ve got a really tough game coming up at home to Leicester. I’m not sitting here saying everything’s great and we’re fine. We have to go again with the same attitude and get the points we need to stay up.”
Lampard has message for Anthony Gordon and Everton fans
Lampard also reserved praise for young star Gordon.
The 21-year-old now has four goals to his name this season, but few as important as Saturday’s strike.
“He’s mature. You speak to Anthony for five or ten minutes and you understand that,” Lampard stated. “His attitude is fantastic and his attitude is big. The crowd are drawn to him, not because he’s a local lad but because his attitude is infectious.”
Lampard insists Saturday’s win also sends a message to the Everton fans and insists there is few better stadiums in the Premier League.
However, he says his players need to give the fans reason to cheer.
Lampard job on the line even if Everton stay up
Frank Lampard is rumoured to be on his way out at Everton this summer regardless of if Everton stay up or not
“It’s huge,” he said of the atmosphere the supporters can create. “One of the reasons we’re good here is because of the fans. A few groans are normal everywhere.
“What the fans relate to is the reaction. When they see that, we see this joined up thing at the stadium. We need to replicate that away somehow.”
