Frank Lampard has glaring Everton problem that Eddie Howe solved in unexpected way

Back on February 8 in Frank Lampard’s first Premier League match as manager, Everton suffered a double blow against Newcastle United. Not only did the Blues fail to pick up points themselves but the 3-1 loss at St James’ Park enabled their hosts to seemingly come back from the dead in terms of their own relegation fight.

The Magpies went into the game in 19th place in the table but by the time the final whistle went they were out of the bottom three and within just a point of the Blues. Fast-forward a further five weeks and while only goal difference now separates Lampard’s men from the drop zone, Eddie Howe’s side find themselves nine points better off than Everton and up to the relative dizzying heights of 14th.

What has been difference since then? Well a major cash injection from Newcastle’s mega-rich Saudi owners in the January transfer window obviously helped bolster the side. Kieran Trippier netted his first goal since the opening day of the 2018/19 season against Everton and like buses another one came along straight away as he grabbed the match-winner in the next fixture against Aston Villa. But after going off in the same game with a broken foot he hasn’t featured since and might be out for the remainder of the campaign.

Striker Chris Wood has netted just once in nine games since his arrival but it was an important goal as he and fellow new boy Bruno Guimaraes both broke their duck in the 2-1 victory at Southampton last Thursday while 6ft 6in Blyth-born Dan Burn – who has already scored at Goodison Park this season, helping Brighton & Hove Albion to their first victory on the ground in 109 years of trying back in January – has provided a towering presence in defence following a return to his native North East.