Newcastle had fallen a goal down to the Blues at St James’ Park, but the Magpies roared back to see off Frank Lampard’s side and move to within just one point of them
Image: PA)
Newcastle stunned Everton to roar to a comeback victory on Frank Lampard’s first Premier League game in charge of the Blues.
Things had started well for Lampard when Mason Holgate’s effort was turned into his own net by Jamaal Lascelles, only for the roles to be reversed two minutes later when Lascelles’ header hit the bar and went in off Holgate for another own goal.
Substitute Dele Alli then gave the ball away to allow a Newcastle move to end with Ryan Fraser bundling home, before Kieran Trippier fired in a free-kick for his first Magpies goal.
Here are the main talking points from what could be a big night at the foot of the table.
1. Lampard’s highway to the danger zone
(
Image:
REUTERS)
If Lampard had wanted to dodge the relegation discussion then he’s not going to be so lucky.
The 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup was a gentle introduction which got Blues fans smiling, but this confirmed that Everton are in a real battle to preserve their proud Premier League status this season.
Frankly, Newcastle are the last team they could afford to lose to right now, but they went down so meekly in the second half as a Magpies outfit who could really get motoring with a bit of momentum took advantage.
Everton are in trouble.
2. Lampard is right to stick with flash Gordon
(
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)
If you were so inclined to look for the positives in the Rafael Benitez reign then Anthony Gordon would undoubtedly have been one.
The 20-year-old Scouser has been around the squad for the last few seasons – and all of the managers they contained – but it is during the current campaign when he has blossomed into a key player for his side.
Seemingly possessing no ego – something some of the Everton midfield and attack could do with copying – Gordon’s energy and work rate are vital for this Everton side, and there is a versatility about him which Lampard will love.
The new Everton boss got a lot out of young players at Chelsea, and he could work wonders with this rough diamond.
3. Shelvey still so silly
(
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)
It was Gordon who was involved in the first flashpoint of the game, and it was one that could easily have led to a red card for reckless Jonjo Shelvey.
The midfielder is a senior player for his club, and has been for a while, but he keeps on committing acts such as these, with referees seemingly invited to censure him.
Anthony Taylor didn’t produce the red card on this occasion, but he easily could have done.
4. Wood still waiting
(
Image:
Getty Images)
It is only three goalless appearances for Chris Wood at Newcastle now, which isn’t catastrophic, but then he failed to score in his last six for Burnley too.
That isn’t ideal for a £25million striker, and in the absence of the injured Callum Wilson the Magpies are going to need their focal point in attack to be that but more mobile, just like Wilson can be when he’s at his roving menace best.
Wood thought he’d cracked it when he bundled home only to be flagged offside, but he’s going to need to provide more movement if he’s going to link up with his side’s other attacking talents.
5. Dele dallies
(
Image:
Getty Images)
The great Alli-Lampard experiment didn’t start on the strongest footing then, as the Everton new boy was caught in possession before Fraser’s goal.
It would have been a difficult introduction for a player who has had very little football of late, and who also wouldn’t have expected to be playing this many minutes as he came on as an early replacement for the injured Demarai Gray.
When he’s up to speed Alli is a fine player who seems alert to many situations, but when was he last up to speed exactly?
Lampard and Everton might have to ride out some cobwebs before he even approaches his best, but how long can they afford to wait?
Read More
Read More
