LATEST NEWS

The Verdict: Lampard’s Blues Up For A Fight

Everton produced a battling performance in their third game in six days to earn an important 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Anthony Gordon’s deflected 27th-minute strike was enough to ensure the win, a fifth triumph from seven matches on home soil since Frank Lampard took the managerial reins.

Here are six talking points from a stirring afternoon in L4…

Reinvented Iwobi Leads The Charge

Frank Lampard’s decision to deploy Alex Iwobi in a central role has been an inspired one.

The Nigeria international has been accustomed to playing in wide areas during his Everton career thus far, however a last-gasp strike in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United last month, a game in which he operated in the heart of midfield, appears to have been the beginning of a promising new chapter.

Iwobi’s ability to produce defence-splitting passes and retain the ball in tight spaces, along with a relentless work-rate, has seen him become a stand-out performer for the Blues in recent weeks.

He clocked up a total distance covered of 11.5km against Manchester United - more than any other player on the pitch, as well as playing a crucial role in Gordon’s match-winning goal.

His efforts did not go unnoticed by a sell-out Goodison crowd, who broke into song for the 25-year-old on several occasions, or by pundits in the media.

Former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright, commented: “Iwobi was magnificent. He's someone that, no matter how he is playing, he does not stop trying to get on the ball, trying to be progressive. 

“His work-rate against Manchester United was fantastic. This is the kind of performance you want to see from someone at home. 

“The Everton fans want to see players putting in this kind of work, because if they're going to get themselves out of the predicament they find themselves in, then it's this kind of performance [they need]. 

“He was literally hunting down the ball. He didn't stop and put in a real shift.”


Speaking last week, Iwobi revealed the extent of Lampard's impact, who recorded more goals than any other midfielder in Premier League history from a similar position.

“The manager has shown so much faith in me,” he said. “We do drills in training that have been great for me. He shares his experiences really well and, because he only came out of the playing side not that long ago, he can relate to us and understands what it’s like for us.

“Of course, it’s been a difficult time for us - but he’s given me a lot of confidence to go out there and perform.

“I’ve really enjoyed the ‘number 8’ role but playing centrally is something I do for my national team so it’s nothing new to me. I feel comfortable because I can get on the ball a lot more.

“I don't know if it’s a long-term position or not. I've played in numerous positions over my career. I'll play as an 8, I'll play out wide... I just want to help the team and the Club climb up the table. I’ll always give it my all when I’m out there for Everton.”

Mykolenko's Best Yet

It’s impossible to comprehend how difficult the past few months have been for Vitalii Mykolenko.

Signed by the Blues from Dynamo Kyiv on the opening day of the January transfer window, it was always going to be tricky to adapt to a first move away from Ukraine - a new country, new language, different culture, a step up in quality on the pitch.

Then, the unthinkable, as Russia invaded his homeland in late February.

While paling into insignificance in the bigger picture, a change of manager and the struggling form of the team formed two more significant hurdles in front of Mykolenko.

At 22 years of age, he has shown maturity beyond his tender years to tackle those circumstances.

 

This performance against Manchester United was probably his best in an Everton shirt yet - defensively sound, with an unquenchable thirst to break forward and support in attack.

Mykolenko completed 13 passes, created one goal-scoring opportunity and finished the contest with a 100 per cent take-on success.

At the other end, his six recoveries, four clearances, three tackles and two interceptions were key in helping to keep United at bay.

Steel And Bite Key Ingredients For Lampard

Oscar Wilde once said, ‘Experience is the one thing you can't get for nothing.’

Well, it turns out Frank Lampard has. This was Fabian Delph’s first appearance since the manager’s arrival and his contribution after almost four months out with a troublesome thigh injury was a vital one. 

There were further boosts for Lampard, as Allan and Michael Keane returned to the starting line-up after serving suspensions.

The injection of know-how paid off in spades.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Lampard said: “We've missed [Delph]. Every club and every manager will bemoan it - we've got injuries and we've got problems. Without that balance and those attributes in the squad... For example, if you find yourself without one or two defensive midfielders for whatever reason, then it's going to be tough. 

“You can take it for granted when you have that. Delphy gave us a sense of calm and his positioning was excellent in terms of filling in if one of the centre-backs got dragged out.

“He does those things naturally. He was great today.”

Richarlison’s Special Bond

Joga Bonito, ‘The Beautiful Game’, was the caption on Richarlison’s Instagram post to accompany the moment.

In the second half, the Brazilian progressed down the left channel with five consecutive headers, successfully keeping the ball a safe distance away from United’s Jadon Sancho.

But this wasn’t arrogance, nor was it naivety. 

It was a man who simply loves football, thriving in front of supporters who love him.

It’s no wonder. Richarlison’s relentless running and knack of scoring goals, combined with humility and deep affection for Evertonians make him one of the most popular members of the squad.

 

After two coolly-taken penalties in the disappointment endured at Burnley, it was another fine display here. Long may it continue.

Back-To-Back Goodison Clean Sheets Give Blues Platform To Build

The clean sheet recorded against the Red Devils was the second in as many home games - the first time the Blues have managed it this season.

That defensive resolve, aided by another raucous Goodison atmosphere, proved vital for another morale-boosting three points.

It’s something Everton must harness again when Leicester City visit in nine days’ time.

Lampard is expecting to be further buoyed by the return of Yerry Mina, who could make his comeback from a quadriceps injury against the Foxes after missing the past 11 matches.

One Step At A Time

It could be said this was the perfect weekend for Everton in the current situation. At the very least, an ideal tonic after a deflating midweek trip to Turf Moor.

As well as winning against Manchester United, Burnley slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Norwich City to open up a four-point gap between the Blues and the bottom three sides in the Premier League table.

But, with eight games and 24 points still at stake, there is still a long way to go in this fight, as boss Lampard was quick to point out after the clash with Ralf Rangnick's side.

“There is loads to do, it is one win,” he said. “We should have got a result in the week [at Burnley and West Ham] with our performance levels, but we didn’t.

“That is the reality when things go against you, you have to keep going.

“It is not easy when you wake up the next morning after Burnley.

“My job, first and foremost, is to lift everyone and be positive, try to go again.


“They are good bunch in that dressing room… some people question that about these players. Come and watch us today, bodies were on the line, Demarai Gray was making blocks on the line in front of Jordan.

“I am very proud. It is a pressured time with where we are and the reality of the situation.

“It always starts with our physical output and contact and fighting spirit because that's what fans demand here – and rightly so.

“When you give them that, you give yourselves a chance.

“The players are a good bunch – but we have a lot to do.”

The final Season Ticket Renewal Deadline is coming. Take your place - renew online here before midnight on Friday 29 April and spread the cost of your Season Ticket over 10 months!