Victor Anichebe claims Frank Lampard played Everton star Richarlison in the wrong position against Newcastle United on Thursday evening – despite watching his old side secure a crucial three points against The Toon.
Alex Iwobi provided the game’s most-meaningful moment, in an eventful clash at Goodison Park that saw Allan sent off – and a protestor tie himself to the post. Iwobi’s 99th minute goal was the most meaningful, though.
Combining with substitute Dom Calvert-Lewin, the England star backheeled the ball into the path of the on-rushing Nigeria international – and Iwobi finished with aplomb. He flashed a left-footed shot across Martin Dubravka.
Lampard started with Richarlison up top, with Iwobi, Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray in behind the Brazil international. But he brought on Calvert-Lewin on 76 minutes, changing his system. Anichebe suggested as much.
Anichebe on Richarlison: Lampard got there in the end as Everton win
While Everton did have chances during the initial 76 minutes before bringing Calvert-Lewin on – having the England striker up top to dictate the Toon centre-backs dramatically improved Everton’s chances of scoring.
Even with 10 men, Everton had a chance and that proved right in depths of injury time. A crucial win for the Toffees, that gives them a real chance of avoiding the drop – after a string of incredibly poor results.
The Toffees can take their foot off the gas this weekend, when they take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. But they face a tough run of fixtures – facing Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in their next six league games.
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