Frank Lampard hails Everton spirit in victory over Newcstle United despite going a man down in the game.
Everton manager Frank Lampard hails the spirit and togetherness of the team after their victory over in form Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Everton were able to see off the Magpies in the late minutes of the game despite going a man down in second half.
It looks like it was going to be another defeat for the Blues but things changed when Nigeria international Alex Iwobi gave them the three points.
Speaking with the media after the game Lampard insists the players stood up to the challenges thrown at them in the game .
“I’ve broken my hand in the celebrations. My bones must be going soft, I don’t remember the moment,” joked Lampard.
“It was an amazing night and we need those nights. Spirit and togetherness, the players stood up tonight. It was not a night for quality or calm. It means so much to the stadium we all felt that. I wanted to use the atmosphere.
“Everton fans wanted to see passion. We proved what we could be tonight.
“Newcastle are a good team, they will be alright. From our point of view, it was can we dig in? And can we get one or two opportunities when down to 10 men.
“There is a lot of talk about Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] and being involved in that goal will do him the biggest favour. It will hopefully be the catalyst for him. We need a fit and firing Dom to help this team.”
Lampard also revealed how a speech to the First-Team squad from Chairman Bill Kenwright at the Club’s Finch Farm training ground on Wednesday helped galvanise the players for the Newcastle test.
“Our Chairman came to the training ground [on Wednesday],” said Lampard. “He spoke to me about wanting to come and speak and what he did was deliver a talk to the lads for half an hour of his passion for this club.
“That’s not normal. I’ve been in the game a long time. A lot of chairman are very corporate, doing their job away from the players. Our Chairman grew up an Everton fan, he absolutely idolises this club, and was at the training ground with our CEO Denise and Graeme Sharp, and he delivered a speech to the players.
“I have to do that all the time and, 25 young men, it’s not an easy audience all the time! The Chairman was great in showing his passion for this club. It was a big deal for me, a big deal for us.”
