FOOTBALL

Everton’s poor run, not Lampard’s fault

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2022

admin

Everton find themselves in a relegation dogfight with eleven matches to play in the Premier League.

The Toffees have been on a downward spiral over the last few decades; they are no longer the giants they used to be back in the 80s.

But, they have been everpresent in the Premier League and did not go down from the English top-flight in 68 years.

Championship football would be a new level of low for the Merseyside outfit.

But is Lampard’s fault?

Frank Lampard took charge of the club on January 31 but failed to turn their fortune.

Since taking over, he has overseen ten matches across all competitions and won four games.

The 1-0 victory over Newcastle United last week was only his second win as an Everton manager in the Premier League.

Currently, Lampard has two Premier League wins as an Everton manager opposed to five defeats.

Everton sit 17th on the Premier League table at the moment.

They have two games in hand on Watford, who occupy the first spot of the relegation zone in 18th, and are three points ahead of the Hornets.

That said, the upcoming fixtures are unmerciful for Everton, with trips to Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham, and Leicester are yet to come.

So, the possibility of Watford leapfrogging Everton is not considerably low.

Lampard has had no time

Does Frank Lampard deserve the blame for Everton’s present situation?

It’s been barely two months since he has taken over at the club.

The team is not doing any better than it did under Rafa Benitez.

So, why shouldn’t Everton fans hold Lampard culpable for their miseries?

First of all, Everton pulled the plug on Benitez too late.

Lampard joined the club on the deadline day of the winter transfer window.

He did not have much time to make signings. He did bring in Dele Alli and Donny Van De Beek. Both of them have been below par until now, but you have to cut Lampard some slack since they were last-minute signings.

Beset with injuries

Everton’s 21/22 Premier League campaign has been marred with injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is yet to recover his goalscoring form after returning from a lengthy ankle injury layoff.

Key players Richarlison, Andre Gomes, and Yerri Mina have also missed a lot of games because of injuries.

The defence has been the Achilles Heel for Everton this season.

Rafa Benitez set up his team with a conservative approach, yet Everton were shipping a large number of goals regularly, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

During his Chelsea tenure, we have seen Frank Lampard implementing a more attacking brand of football, which is a bizarre fit for a team flirting with relegation.

Everton needed to go for someone who could steady the ship by fixing the defence.

A great job at Chelsea

Frank Lampard guided Chelsea to the top four in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

It was a remarkable feat since the Blues were going through a transfer ban, and they did not get to replace the talismanic Eden Hazard, who had left for Real Madrid the previous summer.

But, Lampard did it mostly by outscoring the opponents. Chelsea conceded 54 goals that season, the highest among teams finishing in the top 10.

Rafa Benitez was a misfit for Everton, not only for his Liverpool legacy but also for the type of players Everton had in their squad.

Strange decisions

A solid argument could be made that Everton could have had a better start to the season if they had a more lively style of play. So, appointing Lampard before the season had begun would have made more sense.

Everton’s present situation is a culmination of poor management and administrative decisions over the past few years.

Frank Lampard came in too late to reverse the situation. So even if Everton fail to escape the drop, Lampard should not be the one brought under scrutiny.

As the man said himself, he doesn’t have a ‘’magic wand to wave’’ and make Everton’s problems disappear overnight.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.