It is fair to say that Frank Lampard’s short tenure as Everton head coach has been great so far. The Toffees have dropped dangerously close to the relegation zone in the English top-flight.
In fact, the men from Merseyside were just three points clear of the danger zone after a disastrous 3-2 defeat at relegation rivals Burnley in midweek. However, on Saturday afternoon the Toffees battled to a 1-0 home win over Manchester United to lift the gloom.
A battling display from Everton
In the past, when the going got tough Everton have produced battling performances like the one against United. However, there had been question marks over the current squad’s heart, quality and ability to produce the sort of performance and result needed to survive.
The win over the Red Devils proved that the current squad has enough of all three to pick up enough points to beat the drop. The majority of the Toffees players ran their socks off for the team’s cause and they got their reward with a massive three points. The relief was palpable at the end of the game from both the Everton fans and players.
The majority of Everton fans still behind Lampard
Frank Lampard has enjoyed mixed fortunes in his coaching career with Derby and Chelsea before his January appointment as Everton head coach. Lampard’s poor start as Toffees boss has obviously led to observers asking if he has the managerial ability to steer Everton away from the trouble.
In fairness, Lampard has brought about a lift in the atmosphere surrounding the club. Even now Lampard seems to be a popular figure amongst the Everton faithful. His honesty, passion and articulate media work have been a key to the majority of the clubs’ fans remaining behind.
The main reason Everton fans are behind him is the fact that he seems to really care. On the sidelines, he seems to suffer as much as the fans. Contrast that with former Everton head coaches and Lampard is the most likeable boss the team has had in a long time.
The win will give the Toffees a massive lift
Everton heading into the home clash with Manchester United on Saturday with confidence in low supply. That lack of confidence could have seen the Toffees wilt, as they have for much of the Premier League campaign.
However, the victory over Manchester United could be the turning point for Everton and Lampard’s coaching career on Merseyside. They are still just four points clear of the relegation zone, with 18th place playing their game in hand at bottom of the table Norwich later today.
The Toffees are far from out of the woods when it comes to Premier League survival. There is still plenty of hard work to do for Lampard and his team. However, if they continue to play as they did against United, then Everton should preserve their top-flight status for next season.
If they do survive, then it will be highly interesting to see what the Toffees do next season after Frank Lampard’s first pre-season in charge.
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Will the win over Manchester United inspire Everton’s Premier League survival this season?
