Kevin Campbell: ‘That’s the level’ – Everton called upon to back up 3-0 win v Leeds
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Everton take the long road down to the South Coast to face Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday, searching for back-to-back wins.
The Toffees brushed fellow strugglers Leeds United aside last Saturday (12 February) with a resounding 3-0 win thanks to goals from Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon.
The Saints though are a much tougher test having come through games against both Manchester clubs and Tottenham unbeaten with five points.
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell saw promise in the Leeds victory but insisted that the same standards are hit away from Goodison Park, something Frank Lampard is yet to achieve as Blues boss.
“It’s another test, they are all going to be tests until the end of the season,” Campbell exclusively told Goodison News. “The way they performed on Saturday (v Leeds), that’s the level of standard now.
“If it drops below that, then Southampton, being at home, are going to be favourites but if they perform like they did on Saturday, they’re going to give them a real test.”
Lampard would love to select the exact same starting lineup as he did against Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites in the hope of the same result and Campbell agrees.
“He’ll try to keep it as consistent as possible and keep that same 11,” the 52-year-old added.
It is crucial for the Toffees’ hopes of pulling away from the relegation battle that they put together a run of results now rather than just the odd win among draws and defeats.
Lampard will still be without Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina in defence for the trip down south while Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies and Fabian Delph are all notable absentees in midfield.
In other Everton news, hear what Campbell had to say about Donny van de Beek and the Toffees’ rock-solid defence after the Leeds win.