Gordon worries continue
“They say the gaffer is like my dad but it’s not true!”
Those were the words of Anthony Gordon when discussing his relationship with Frank Lampard earlier this week. The pair clearly have a lot of respect for each other.
In fact, it is easy to see why many see Lampard as Gordon’s football dad. Since the moment he arrived at Goodison, the Blues boss has been quick to praise the youngster.
He did so after his first game in charge and compliments have followed since. Both ways, too, with Gordon quick to hail his boss when he gets the chance to.
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Gordon was the subject of a failed £40 million bid from Chelsea in August, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also linked with the winger. Blues boss Lampard was adamant Gordon's development could be continued on Merseyside throughout the summer.
His faith was repaid as Gordon struck important goals at Brentford and Leeds United as the speculation over his future reached its peak. Chelsea's interest in Gordon also prompted Everton to raise the prospect of discussing a contract extension with the England Under-21 international but, as yet, there has been no agreement.
Speaking ahead of Everton’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur, Lampard admitted he was 'worried' about Gordon’s recent performances, including the disciplinary record that resulted in him missing the defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A goal against Crystal Palace came last weekend, his strike, following a VAR review, handed the Blues a 2-0 lead at Goodison Park. Everton would go on to win the game 3-0.
But here, those worries again reared their ugly head as the youngster suffered another frustrating evening. He wasn’t the only one, mind.
At times, though, it felt like Gordon couldn’t get in the game, and when he could, he often made the wrong decision. And when his big moment arrived, he lacked the composure needed to get his shot on target.
It can’t be forgotten how big a talent Gordon is, and how important a player he is for this Everton side. But it feels like we are reaching a point where a reset may help.
Unlike last season Everton now have options at their disposal, Dwight McNeil is just one player who could come in.
Sometimes all dads have to make decisions with their head rather than their heart, and it feels like Lampard could be forced into one in the coming weeks.
Lampard bucks his early season trend
There aren’t many gripes that Everton supporters have with Frank Lampard.
On the whole, the Blues boss has been a breath of fresh air from the day he walked into Goodison Park at the turn of the year.
However, during the recent defeat to Manchester United, sections of Blues supporters appeared to grow frustrated with his lack of activity on the touchline. The groans could be heard loud and clear.
As the second-half went on, Lampard, despite his side continuing to come under pressure, remained unmoved. He was prepared to take it all in.
The groans, however, were in the want of changes. Something different in a bid to turn the game back in the Blues’ favour.
They eventually came, but not until 67 minutes had passed.It has been a familiar theme this season. The evidence suggests Lampard doesn't like making unforced changes early.
However, here, the Blues boss bucked his early season trend. A misplaced pass in midfield was the signal for conversations on the bench to take place with just over seven minutes played in the second-half.
Not long after, both Nathan Patterson and James Garner were getting stripped and ready to come on. They would enter the field of the play with their side coming under pressure.
But just over half-an-hour later and the Blues had earned themselves a point. Football players, managers and supporters love things to remain consistent in the game, but as shown here, sometimes changes can be effective.
Patterson return another highlight
As expected, and understandably, all the talk post-match was about VAR and Jordan Pickford’s heroics. Both deserve to be spoken about.
Pickford was at his brilliant best, while VAR was its shambolic best. The game followed a familiar theme for Everton and their season.
But just after the hour mark, the Blues were handed another, after the point they had earned, major boost. Nathan Patterson making his return to action.
The full-back completed a move to Goodison Park from Rangers back in January but initially struggled to make a meaningful impact.
But to his credit, Patterson has bounced back with renewed purpose this season and impressed with a string of impressive displays at the start of the campaign.
However, his season stalled when he picked up an ankle injury during Scotland’s 3-0 Nations League win over Ukraine at Hampden Park last month. Seamus Coleman has deputised in place of Patterson, and the former Rangers man has a close relationship with the 34-year-old.
But the sight of Patterson returning to action will have not only brought a smile to the face of Lampard, but a smile to those Evertonians in attendance at Craven Cottage.
Patterson’s impressive displays at the start of the season led to Blues supporters making a song up for the defender based on the Following The Sun by SUPER-Hi x NEEKA tune.
You get the feeling it won’t be long before it is being sung again.
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