Everton: Major 'concern' for Frank Lampard at Goodison Park

Frank Lampard’s chopping and changing of the Everton defence, not helped by injuries, is a “concern” during the crucial run-in, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Toffees missed the opportunity to confirm their Premier League status on Sunday following a 3-2 defeat to Brentford, with Everton’s defensive frailties once again coming to the front.

With Burnley and Leeds both dropping points earlier in the day, the message was clear for Lampard’s side; win, and you’ll be playing top-flight football next season.

And in front of a red-hot Goodison Park, Everton got off to the perfect start when Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended his long wait for a goal by getting the slightest of touches from Anthony Gordon’s free-kick.

But Everton’s afternoon and took a turn for the worse when Jarrad Branthwaite was sent off for bringing down Ivan Toney.

Less than 20 minutes later Brentford made their numerical advantage count when Yoane Wissa forced Seamus Coleman to turn past Jordan Pickford, although Richarlison’s penalty put the 10 man Toffees back in front on the stroke of half-time.

However, Lampard’s charges were undone by two goals in three second half minutes from Wissa and Rico Henry to leave them looking anxiously over their shoulders heading into their final two games.

With Michael Keane not selected and Yerry Mina out injured, it was the twelfth Premier League game on the bounce that Lampard has changed his central defenders, which will now stretch into a 13th with Braithwaite suspended.

And Brown believes that Lampard’s inability to stick with a consistent pair is proving an issue.

He told GIVMESPORT: “There has been a lot of chopping and changing lately, I don’t like the way the backline keeps changing week to week.