Danny Murphy hails Frank Lampard influence on Everton’s ‘icing on the cake’ Seamus Coleman v Leeds
The performance of Everton captain Seamus Coleman was an indicator of Frank Lampard’s influence in the galvanising win over Leeds United, says Danny Murphy.
Despite a change in formation to a back four, the right-back opened the scoring to lead from the front in a fantastic team display which saw the home crowd singing the new manager’s name.
The Toffees ran out 3-0 winners over Marcelo Bielsa’s men with a complete performance that banished memories of the loss at Newcastle, with goals from the skipper, Michael Keane, and Anthony Gordon who was credited with the final touch on Richarlison’s shot.
Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy hailed the new boss’ effect on his captain on Saturday’s Match of the Day (February 12), saying: “They blew Leeds away in the first half, and the icing on the cake of course is when you’ve got your captain and your full-back, who’s playing in a four by the way, getting forward.
“That’s the freedom that Frank’s given them, and he’s scoring a header from two yards out. It’s tremendous stuff.
“I haven’t heard Goodison like that for a long time, everybody in unison singing [Lampard’s] name”.
Back on track
The former Chelsea manager’s three games in charge have been day, night, and then day again in how they have gone.
A morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup last weekend looked to have lifted the entire club following extended upheaval.
But that all vanished in the meek defeat at Newcastle on Tuesday, which saw Yerry Mina and Demarai Gray lost to injury.
Partly enforced by the absence of the big Colombian centre-back, who Lampard confirmed pre-game is set to be out for eight to 10 weeks, the team switched to a back-four.
But that did not stop 33-year-old Coleman, in his 13th year at the club, bursting forward to nod the Toffees ahead at the end of a good attacking move.
It was highly encouraging for the fans to see the captain performing so strongly, and the manager’s influence manifesting itself.
The support also seems to be playing a crucial role under Lampard, as the home team has been driven onto two excellent victories at Goodison Park so far.
In other Everton news, Alan Hutton was amazed by the performance of this man in the Toffees team.