Everton are having a hard time in the 2021-22 Premier League. The departure of Carlo Ancelotti in the offseason for a second stint at Real Madrid has certainly been tough for the Toffees, who have suffered a decline since the Italian left.
The Merseyside club has shockingly decided to fill the managerial vacancy by appointingRafael Benitez, former head coach of lifelong rivals Liverpool. A controversial hire from the very beginning, the Spanish boss would eventually be fired shortly after as theteam started to flirt with relegation.
Frank Lampard took charge laterbut it’s been a tough start for him as well. Before the Newcastle game on Wednesday night, Everton had lost on five out of six games (W1) under the Chelsea icon and were tied with Watford, who are 18th with 22 points. That’s why the late win over the Magpies sparked wild reactions at Goodison Parkwhich resultedin a broken hand for Lampard.
Lampard ‘breaks’ hand celebrating Everton’s last-minute winner vs Newcastle
After four defeats in a row,the Newcastle match was a must-win for the Toffees. It looked like they would have to settle with a sour, goalless draw at home. 14 minutesminutes were added at stoppage time after a fantied his neck to a post and a lengthy VAR review that resulted in Allan’s red card, creating even more drama as the final whistle drew near.
However, things would take a huge twist at the 99th minute whenAlex Iwobi gave the hosts the edge, producing an electric reactionon the stands and the Everton dugout, where Lampard may have gone too far in his celebration.
Lampard broke his hand celebrating Everton’s last-gasp goal. (Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
“I’ve broken my hand in the celebrations,” Lampard told Prime Video, as quoted by The Sun. “My bones must be going soft, I don’t remember the moment. I didn’t realise at the time but as the game carried on I was a bit sore and shaky. But I don’t care – I’ll take it for three points.“
