Martin Keown names Anthony Gordon and Allan as vital to Frank Lampard at Everton
Allan and Anthony Gordon are the two Everton players that are going to be crucial to Frank Lampard in a “really difficult period” according to Martin Keown.
The team laboured to overcome National League Boreham Wood in the FA Cup at Goodison last night, and are only a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
But ex-Toffee Keown sees reason to be hopeful for next season as long as survival can be secured.
Speaking on talkSPORT this morning (Friday 4 March, 10.10am) the former Arsenal defender said: “Young manager, making his way back into the game, it’s a tough moment for Everton.
“It’s a really difficult period in the season when they are looking around at Newcastle, and people gathering pace [like] Burnley.
“Gordon on the left side, he’s the sort of shining light of the team.
“I like the midfield. I look at the calibre of player, certainly, Allan, if he was to arrive at Arsenal Football Club, I’m pretty certain they’d be delighted.
“I think Frank Lampard will be an outstanding manager but I think he’s gotta just navigate his way through the season.”
Touch and go
Despite the significant upturn in the home form since ex-Chelsea boss Lampard arrived, the club are still right up against it.
The cruel defeat to Manchester City was a major blow when every point is crucial.
With Newcastle, and to an extent Burnley, suddenly resurgent, and a new manager in at Leeds, the relegation battle has come to life.
The Toffees do have games in hand on those around them but it is points on the board that they need at this stage.
There have been a number of positive signs under the new regime but such was the mire that Rafael Benitez left things in it is yet to be seen whether they will be enough.
In light of the necessary loss of revenue from Alisher Usmanov’s sponsorship following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to fall out of the Premier League for the first time would be especially devastating.
Players like the Brazilian midfielder will be key to the final weeks of the season, but it would be tough to hang on to them outside the top tier.
There is more hope of retaining youngster Gordon with a view to an immediate return, but even he would likely have suitors were the worst to happen.
In other Everton news, the supportive message that the manager sent to opposite number Luke Garrard ahead of the cup tie has been revealed.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.