Beck Pascal

Sat 7 May 2022 7:45, UK

Martin Keown has urged Everton to respond after the “tremendous” blow of being overtaken by Burnley and Newcastle in this season’s relegation battle. 

Frank Lampard’s side currently sits two-point adrift from Leeds and the Clarets in 18^th but benefits from having a game in hand on the pair.

The former Arsenal defender implored the Toffees to replicate their home form on their travels if they have any chance of staying up amid a “phenomenal” relegation battle.

He wrote in his Daily Mail column: “This relegation race between Everton, Burnley and Leeds is turning into one of the best bottom-of-the-table shootouts we’ve ever witnessed.

“The way these rivals are picking up points, even when their backs are pressed firmly against the wall, is phenomenal.

“Just when you least expect them to get a result, that’s when they prove the so-called experts wrong.”

Keown added: “Watching Newcastle stride past them to safety, and then Burnley go ahead, was a tremendous body blow to Everton. But recent home wins over Manchester United and Chelsea, and a draw with Leicester, have given them hope and belief.

“Lampard previously said his players had to show they have the balls for this battle. They’ve done that at home, and now they’ve got to do that on the road with two tricky trips to Leicester and Watford in the next five days.”

Dogfight.

It is absolutely crucial that Everton replicate the intensity, fight and desire they have shown so often at Goodison Park in recent weeks.

Having the home fans behind you is huge as a player but that doesn’t mean every time you play away from home your performance levels drop to a point where you fail to pick up a single point all year.

Thankfully, impressive wins against Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea have seen Everton put their fate in their own hands with five games left to play.

This weekend’s game is absolutely crucial against Leicester – if there was any away game for Lampard’s side to change their fortune, it is this one.

The Foxes’ season is all but over. They suffered a crushing blow on Thursday night [May 5] losing to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in the Europa Conference League semi-final which will not only affect them physically but mentally also.

All the blues can do is keep adding points to the board.

In other Everton news, View: an In-form ace will drop to the bench in two changes for Everton in their predicted starting XI to face Leicester.

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