Frank Lampard makes Everton admission and points blame in one direction for Southampton loss

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Frank Lampard Everton 2023 TEAMtalk.0001 Credit: Alamy

Everton boss Frank Lampard has refused to blame off-field distractions for Saturday’s defeat at Southampton and insists the buck stops with him.

The Toffees slipped to 19th in the Premier League table after another damaging home defeat. After losing 4-1 to Brighton at Goodison Park, the Merseysiders lost 2-1 to compatriots Southampton. The hosts took the lead when Amadou Onana headed in Demarai Grays’ cross just before the break.

But the Saints were back level just a minute after the interval thanks to James Ward-Prowse.

And the England man then pocketed the winner, burying a trademark free-kick with 12 minutes remaining.

The south coast outfit remain bottom of the table but are level on 15 points with Everton and West Ham.

Everton have now picked up just two points from their last seven games. And Lampard admitted his frustration with the way his men let a winning position slip away.

It’s obviously difficult and disappointing, especially when you go up 1-0, he told BBC Sport. It’s a tough match, there’s a lot of tension for both teams, I think. We deserved to be 1-0 in the first half with the passion in our game.

It wasn’t a tactical game, it was more of a fighting game. We showed enthusiasm and then a goal at the start of the second period changed the tone of the match.

We came back, we created stuff, we hit the bar but then, typically at the moment, we concede a free kick and it goes into our net.

Of course, it’s disappointing. It was a big game for us and we lost.

Lampard takes responsibility as pressure mounts on embattled boss

After flirting with the relegation zone last season, hopes were high that Everton could have a solid season in the top flight.

However, they have only won three league games and face another battle to remain in the English Premier League.

Fans have shown their displeasure this season, with negative chants and protests against the board.

Chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale was allegedly assaulted outside the Goodison Park trustees box. And President Bill Kenwright has reportedly received death threats.

The story continues

Lampard confessed these are difficult times for the club but made it clear he would not use them as an excuse for failure.

No, I am completely focused on what was being done on the pitch, he added. The noise off the pitch is there but the things we can control as staff and players are on the pitch and today we were beaten.

It is a difficult time. There is so much passion at this club for the right reasons, everyone wants the best for the club.

Of course over the years we have come in a direction where we were in a relegation battle last year and again this year.

Lampard seeks Everton reaction

The bottom board is exceptionally tight, with no club drifting and already doomed to fall.

Southampton may be bottom but are just two points behind 14th-placed Leeds United.

Next up for the Toffees is a trip to the capital to take on West Ham.

Lampard knows how important the game is and wants his proteges to dust themselves off for the challenge ahead.

These are all big games and you have to catch up well because when you are in this position, you unfortunately lose football games, he continued.

The only thing that matters is the reaction. We have to take it on the chin tonight.

And the former Chelsea manager refused to be too hard on his players for the way they fought.

It was a game we really wanted to win. The effort of the players, the desire of the players was great, he said.

I can’t argue with that but, in terms of performance, when the game changes in the second half, we know it’s not enough and I’ll be the first to take responsibility for that.

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The article Frank Lampard gets Everton to admit and points blame in one direction for Southampton’s loss appeared first on Teamtalk.com.

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