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Post by empresstouch on May 19, 2022 22:14:10 GMT
Better 2nd-half game control. Delivering as a team – just as things were looking very, very bleak. Lampard made an inspired sub, getting more from Dele Alli than previously – when it mattered most.
‘Delivering as a team’ the narrative of Frank Lampard’s three months as Everton manager, in circumstances he was never used to being involved with as a player. Adapting his own approach and philosophy to the sport, as sacrifice to the club’s benefit. I gave similar praise to Carlo Ancelotti for this trait in 2020-21; the evidence that Lampard can be an all-round managerial success is growing by the day.
Better 2nd-half game control. Well, the opposition haven’t gone from Premier League relegation tips to mid-table respectability without justification. Like most in this division, their players are quicker, stronger, more balanced and therefore: able to play to a higher team performance. That has to change – and fast – if these nights are going to be a thing of the past.
Yet Crystal Palace have never won a recognised football trophy for a reason too, and our 2nd-half performance highlighted why. The introduction of Dele Alli was certainly not many people’s idea of finding a hero when needed so badly, but his inclusion to that 45 minutes yielded an instant increase in possession quantity – and speed. As a result of this and some ambitious appetite for scoring goals; Palace players suddenly had a seed of doubt sown in their minds, on our players’ merit.
Of course, this shouldn’t suggest that Dele Alli now warrants a 300% pay rise.
It sure DOES indicate that Lampard is far more than just a pretty face.
With superb support from Goodison yet again, the momentum was sustained and Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin delivered those winning goals that saw us over the line.
But please let me leave you with this key thought:
Jordan Pickford’s commanding 94th-minute punched clearance when being fouled an indication of how taking care of your own business with little fuss will win referee’s respect – and compel them into awarding more decisions in our team’s favour – through the expectancy of success. It’s the same scenario in ALL high-tension team sports on the planet.
So there's much to work on, for whilst the 2nd-half passing improved considerably, there were still many loose passes – Doucoure twice handing possession back in promising situations with the score 1-2. And with respect, the Premier League is clearly too fast a competition for Andre Gomes.
Going to Arsenal; can we send the transfer market a clear signal that not just Lampard, but ALL of us mean business this Summer, not by ruining Arsenal’s Champions’ League qualification hopes, but by getting as high up the League table as possible. Putting distance from us and the drop at the same time.
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Post by Avinalaff on May 19, 2022 22:35:51 GMT
I was almost resigned to going down, but strangely still had belief left that we could still win.
It shows what the players are capable of ...... and the fans.
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Post by rugbytoffee on May 20, 2022 7:27:24 GMT
Phew - Thought Iwobi was good , and Holgate seems to have lost that arrogant relaxed play. Looked commanding and organised.
A major re-build in the summer is needed and a few players should feel a tad guilty of their performances earlier in the season.
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