There was no questioning the severity of the challenge awaiting Frank Lampard prior to his appointment, and as the weeks roll on, the scale of that challenge continues to expand
The latest low in Everton‘s season thus far came in the form of a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
The Toffees started brightly and controlled proceedings for the first 25 minutes, but after conceding from a corner, Lampard’s side began to fade, instead of accelerating in search of an equalizer.
And eventually, Palace struck again and added 2 more in the second half concluding a humiliating defeat for Everton.
While it would be unfair to pin the blame on the newly-appointed manager, fans online have found Lampard guilty for being rather dismissive of Palace’s performance.
In a post-match interview, the former Chelsea manager said, “Quarterfinal of a cup, start really well control the game, allow a goal from a corner, allow another average goal, and a fluke goal, and another average goal”.
His disparaging summary rubbed fans online the wrong way, and many claimed that Lampard lacked ‘accountability’.
Whether that may be true or not, it has to be stated that the goals he deemed as ‘average’ or ‘a fluke’ came as a result of a poorly defensive setup.
Chelsea’s Legend and Everton manager Frank Lampard taking responsibility for his side’s 4-0 loss is the funniest thing you’d watch today 😂😂pic.twitter.com/HXZSG2luhV
The Toffees were certainly unlucky on the followthroughs for both second-half goals, but the space afforded for both initial strikes is inexcusable, leading many to question Lampard instead of the players.
What lies ahead for Everton is a truly stern relegation battle, one that will test Lampard’s mettle as a manager, and determine the future of Everton in the Premier League.
