Everton manager Frank Lampard believes Everton’s crucial 2-1 result over Leicester could be a defining moment his side’s attempt to avoid relegation – but only if they complete the task and stay in the Premier League.
After being put into a position where a drop into the Championship seemed a distinct possibility last month, Everton have suddenly produced two successive wins to move out of the bottom three, and with a game in hand over their rivals Leeds and Burnley.
Lampard added Sunday’s display was the perfect time to put their away form right as well; Everton had not won on their travels since August 28 at Brighton.
In the end, it was a headed goal from Mason Holgate – who had been ill in the build up to the Leicester game – who headed the winning goal after a hectic half hour.
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It was a goal to remember and Lampard said it had special meaning against the background of the war in his homeland.
An 11th minute equaliser from Patson Daka pegged Everton back but Lampard said his side had a plan and stuck to it.
Yet they needed another outstanding display from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to secure the points that could prove invaluable.
Lampard also praised Everton’s 3,300 travelling fans who supported their side through with a constant rendition of club anthem “The Spirit of the Blues”.
Now they face relegated Watford in midweek and, after things looked bleak last month, Everton have renewed hope of survival.
“This was really good and it’s been a long time coming. We know the away form has a been a problem for us. There was a lot of talk to the players about that in the week because it has never been more important to put it right,” said Lampard.
“Nothing’s done, far from it, but it was important we changed the story of the away form.
“As for Vitalii, it was an amazing goal. I’ve been waiting for one of those from us. Something out of nothing, a real stunner.
“That goal for him is a culmination of going through a tough time, arriving here in the Premier League mid-season, with what’s going on at home no one can imagine how his head is with that, he’s been brilliant.
“He is playing really well, developing all the time and I’m delighted for him to get that goal.
“But it’s a defining result, only if we make it defining. It’s a big result for confidence because we’ve not gone back to back wins for a while, and this was against two really high-level teams.”
Lampard knows Pickford’s display was key however.
“He gives huge confidence and you need goalkeepers who make saves for you if you want to be successful,” he added.
“I’m pleased for Jordan because he’s getting the recognition he absolutely deserves – not just for being England’s No 1 but for me, one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
“As England’s No 1 you don’t always get that recognition for some reason. But his performances in the last few weeks have been at that level.”
Lampard said there were several stories behind the win and added: “Mason Holgate was sick on Saturday, he turned up to the hotel separately and said ‘I’m playing this game’, and that’s the attitude that’ll get us to where we want to be this season.”
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said he had an “honest conversation” with his players afterwards.
“After games I don’t normally say so much, but this was hugely disappointing, I wanted a reaction from the players, we need to move forwards. It was a very open and honest conversation,” Rodgers said.
“There’s no getting away from it, 14th is a disappointment, we’ve had injuries but I had hoped for a top 10 finish.”
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How Everton's smart planning has built them a bright future - if they survive relegation03 May, 2022LEICESTER (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel 6 – Castagne 6, Fofana 6, Evans, 6 – Mendy 6 (Vardy, 66mins, 5), Tielemans 6, Dewsbury-Hall 6 — Perez 5 (Barnes, HT, 7) – Iheanacho 6, Daka 7 (Lookman, 80mins, 5). Subs not used: Soyuncu, Albrighton, Ward, Choudhury, Thomas, Soumare
EVERTON (5-4-1): Pickford 8 – Iwobi 7, Coleman 6, Mina 4 (Keane, 18mins), Holgate 7, Mykolenko 8 (Kenny, 66mins, 66) – Gordon 6, Doucoure 7, Delph 6, Gray 6 (Rondon, 74mins, 5)- Richarlison 7. Subs not used: Begovic, Allan, Calvert-Lewin, Andre Gomes, Dele, Welch.
Referee: Craig Pawson
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