Alan Stubbs ‘can’t question effort’ of Everton despite dreadful form
Everton welcome Newcastle United to Goodison Park tonight with a chance to pull themselves clear of the relegation fight at the foot of the Premier League.
The Magpies have already done what Frank Lampard hopes his own side can do having risen to 14th in a run that included a 3-1 win over the Toffees at St James’ Park last month.
That was Lampard’s second game in charge of Everton and things have not improved since which has kept the Merseyside club down in the mire.
Ex-Everton defender Alan Stubbs hasn’t been impressed by his former side, understandably so, and thinks the players need to look at themselves first and foremost.
“I would certainly be saying some home truths,” Stubbs told Sky Sports. “I wouldn’t be saying stuff to the players from a personal point of view, I’d be saying it from a professional point of view.
“I can’t question their effort because I don’t believe any player goes out to not give 100% but what they’ve shown has not been anywhere near good enough.
“The table doesn’t lie. Ultimately, there is only that group of individuals who can do something about it.
“Don’t look for excuses, look at your own doorstep and what you are contributing to the game. Do your own job and then see if you can help someone else.”
Revenge
This is the first time Lampard can use the fuel of revenge to fire up his Everton side and it has to be a key part of his team talk.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies are one of the form teams in the entire division which will definitely not help the confidence-void Evertonians but this is where the boss can earn his stripes.
In this kind of situation, the manager can have an even bigger impact on his players and if he really is going to be a top manager one day, then he has to prove he can get this right.
The Toffees are only above the drop zone on goal difference right now but shouldn’t drop below Watford unless they are well and truly smashed to pieces in their own backyard this evening.
In other Everton news, Lampard is facing major pressure according to one reliable journalist with a £70million “disaster” on the cards.