Everton chief spoke to players about Frank Lampard, three started v Arsenal who didn’t want him sacked
Three Everton players who started the Premier League defeat to Arsenal didn’t want Frank Lampard sacked, according to the Daily Mail.
Sean Dyche’s side endured a miserable night in North London as Mikel Arteta’s men took the Toffees apart in the second half, extending their lead at the top of the table.
The Mail have since claimed (page 75, 2 March) that a number of senior players were still behind their former boss despite the dismal run of form.
“During the closing days of Frank Lampard’s reign at Goodison Park, one Everton chief canvassed the opinions of senior players about their manager,” they wrote.
“To a man, they are understood to have vouched for Lampard. Three of the players approached started for Sean Dyche here. The Everton boss will need their honesty and loyalty more than ever if they are to avoid the drop.”
Bad night
That was a bad evening for everyone involved with Everton. Regardless of the sensational Arsenal performance, the players threw the towel in towards the end of the fixture, making life far too easy for their hosts.
More discipline was to be expected, especially from a Dyche side. Right up until halftime, they looked like a team who were invested in the manager’s plan – and for the most part, it was executed to perfection. Idrissa Gana Gueye’s headloss before Martinelli’s second goal was decisive.
Experienced players cannot have moments like that. It gifted one of the best teams in Europe a two-goal advantage, which was completely insurmountable for the Toffees.
This result must be dissected and put to bed extremely quickly. Everton face a huge relegation clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and after their last two results, it’s a must-win game. Steve Cooper’s side are by no means out of the relegation conversation and lie just four points above the Merseysiders at present.