Paul Merson has told Everton fans to stop criticising Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as he delivered his verdict on the club’s Premier League survival hopes.
The Blues are preparing to take on Wolves at Goodison on Sunday in another highly-important clash as Frank Lampard’s side look to move away from the relegation zone.
Everton have produced three home wins in all competitions, as well as a spirited display against Manchester City, since Lampard ’s appointment - but could still find themselves in the bottom three before kick-off, if results don’t go their way.
Merson believes that Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return from injury could be a vital boost for the Toffees - but has called on Everton supporters to get behind the England striker.
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“Frank Lampard has got to rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin to save Everton,” he wrote in his column for The Mirror.
“If he turns up and starts scoring goals, they will be alright. But he was injured for a long time and doesn't look anywhere near fit.
“Some of the fans have turned against Calvert-Lewin - but I think they need to stop giving him stick because Everton need him.”
Calvert-Lewin himself has admitted he had underestimated the challenge of returning from his lengthy time on the sidelines - with his most recent performances yet to show his best form .
Merson continued: “I'm not sure Lampard can get them out of this. It was naïve the way he played against Spurs. I saw a weaker Everton team than that get a draw at Chelsea.
“But he went after Tottenham with a weak back four and a striker who isn't fully fit, and it only took one player not pressing properly to let Spurs in on that defence.”
Describing the club’s next two games against Wolves and Newcastle as “cup finals”, it appears that Monday night’s defeat to Tottenham may have dented Merson’s confidence in Everton.
Though the ex-Arsenal midfielder is right to raise concerns over the team’s performance against Spurs, Everton have performed at their best in front of a home crowd under Lampard.
For Calvert-Lewin, Wolves will hopefully be another step to the 24-year-old reaching full fitness and helping to fire the Blues up the league table.
