Jonty Banks

Sat 21 January 2023 10:10, UK

Paul Merson is baffled by the idea of David Moyes potentially replacing Frank Lampard as Everton manager as both teams lock horns in a must-win game in the Premier League on Saturday (21 January).

The Toffees boss has fallen under a barrage of pressure in recent days after his side fell into the relegation zone following a dismal 2-1 defeat to relegation rivals Southampton at Goodison Park.

Reports subsequently emerged stating that the winner of the crunch clash against the Hammers would keep their job, while Lampard could face the sack today if his team lost. [Daily Mail, 16 January]

Writing for the Daily Star (January 21, page 44), Sky Sports pundit Merson outlined his opinion on the “sinking ship” Lampard is currently trying to captain.

On the topic of Moyes replacing him at Goodison Park, he wrote: “What’s even stranger is he could end up being dismissed and then emerging as the favourite to replace Frank Lampard at Everton.

“It’s not Frank’s fault that Everton are a sinking ship. They’ve had top managers in recent years, including Carlo Ancelotti, and Lamps can’t work miracles with this dismal squad.”

Chaos

The whole managerial situation surrounding both Lampard and Moyes is utter chaos, as both come head-to-head in a crucial clash for both their jobs.

The idea that Moyes could swoop in to save the day at Goodison Park is a fan’s dream, but many pieces of the puzzle need to be fitted before such a dream can become a reality.

One of Moyes or Lampard will likely face the sack in the coming weeks, but if either claims three points on Saturday, it could spark a dramatic return to form.

For Toffees fans, though, even if they do nick a win against their relegation rivals, they will find it hard to replicate this with fixtures against league-leaders Arsenal and Liverpool on the horizon.

Considering these tough upcoming fixtures and the toxic environment surrounding the football club, it is hard to see Lampard remaining in the Goodison Park dugout much longer.