Frank Lampard has told his Everton press conference he expects a “not-so friendly” welcome – when he and coach Ashley Cole travel south to face Tottenham. He is hoping his side take “the sting” out of the home crowd.
Tottenham play host to Everton on Monday night with the two sides both desperately needing a win, but for very different reasons. Spurs need three points to maintain their faltering push for a place in the top four.
Meanwhile, Everton sit in a worryingly low 17th place. While they have two games in hand over Leeds and one over 18th-placed Burnley, they are still only one point above the drop zone. Both sides need a result on Monday.
Given his status as a Chelsea legend, and that Cole played for both Chelsea and Arsenal, Lampard was reported by The Echo as admitting they are expecting a cold reception from Spurs fans – but hopes to nullify that.
“I’m actually not even considering the games I’ve played with or managed at Chelsea – it’s a completely different position. You have to take the sting out of the opposition wherever you go, the focal point has to be us.”
Lampard on Tottenham fans: Spurs support could work for Everton
The Everton manager will know that Tottenham’s support are frustrated. They know that Spurs are desperate for a win to keep their top-four push alive. If Everton can keep them at bay long enough, frustration creeps in.
If Everton keep Tottenham at bay until the 70th, 75th minute, then Spurs fans will surely get on the back of their players – and it could benefit Everton. However, the pressure is on both sets of players to get a result.
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