Lampard’s away-day Blues
BOTTOM HALF OF THE ‘HOME’ PREM TABLE
EVERTON are staring relegation from the Premier League in the face after a wretched campaign that has seen only nine wins from 33 games. But that doesn’t tell the full story. Frank Lampard’s Toffees season has actually been a Jekyll and Hyde affair where they are a mid-table side at Goodison, but bottom of the pile away from home.
Here, DAVID SNEYD runs through the worst of Everton’s away-day Blues.
APR 6: BURNLEY 3 EVERTON 2 After giving away a goal from a corner in the 12th minute, Everton showed resilience to take a 2-1 lead but capitulated as Ben Godfrey gifted Maxwell Cornet the winner.
MAR 7: SPURS 5 EVERTON 0
This felt like the nadir in a season filled with new lows. Lampard got his tactics and selection brutally wrong, leaving his side exposed with Donny van de Beek flailing as one of the defensive midfielders.
The hosts ran riot before taking their foot off the throttle after the break. FEB 8: NEWCASTLE 3 EVERTON 1
For 108 seconds it looked as if Everton might just be capable of taking all three points away from
Goodison Park. But then they collapsed. Again.
Jamaal Lascelles turned into his own net but a re-energised Toon were level within two minutes and went on to win comfortably.
JAN 15: NORWICH 2 EVERTON 1
The atmosphere was already toxic among the away end before a ball was even kicked. Rafael Benitez’s tenure was reaching its natural end. ‘Get out of our club’ was one banner held up by supporters at kick-off.
Goals in the 16th and 18th minutes added to the anger as Norwich ended a six-game losing run.