Frank Lampard tasted defeat for the first time as Everton manager when his side lost 3-1 to Newcastle United in what was a lacklustre performance, with talks of Seamus Coleman getting axed from the squad.
Lampard will now feel the full extent of pressure going forward into the season. Newcastle closed the gap between the two sides to just a point. Although Everton does have a game in hand.
The Merseyside club now finds themselves close to the relegation zone, something that was unthinkable a year ago.
A change of system didn’t help Lampard’s side, as they recently changed to a 3 at the back system. However, Lampard will feel that a few of his players could have done better. One of them being Seamus Coleman.
COLEMAN’S REPLACEMENT AT EVERTON
The Republic of Ireland international is 33 and continues to be an important player in this Everton side. The right-back has featured in 16 matches so far in the Premier League and has played all 90 minutes in every game bar one.
Although Coleman is not entirely at fault here. The 33-year-old has been a key man for Everton throughout his career and at his age is getting burned out from playing so many games. It’s unwise to expect top tier performances from Coleman week in week out at 33 and the Toffees fans have also voiced their displeasure at how long it took Everton to finally get a replacement.
The Merseyside club managed to sign Nathan Patterson from Rangers during the winter transfer window. Although Patterson was an unused substitute against Newcastle, the youngster might get a look in to replace Coleman.
Patterson comes in at a crucial time where Everton is struggling with form. He is an important addition to the side as someone who can cover at right-back. Many believe that now is the perfect time for Lampard to axe the Irishman from the starting line-up at Goodison Park.
Coleman hasn’t been upto par in the last few games. The number of errors he makes has also gone up considering. It might be time for Everton to finally move on from their captain.
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.
