Frank Lampard admits one Newcastle player was 'unplayable' v Everton
Everton boss Frank Lampard has conceded that Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin is “pretty unplayable”.
Lampard’s first Premier League game in charge of the Toffees ended in defeat at St James’ Park.
Everton got the first goal of the game as Jamaal Lascelles put through his own net in the 36th minute.
However, the Blues conceded 108 seconds later, through another own goal.
Lascelles made amends as he thundered a header against the bar, the ball going into the net via Mason Holgate.
Ryan Fraser then put Newcastle ahead just before the hour, making it 2-1 from close range.
And then, a magnificent free kick from Kieran Trippier sealed the win ten minutes from time.
Although Saint-Maximin didn’t get on the scoresheet, he set up the second goal and ran Everton’s defence ragged all night.
The 24-year-old weighed in with two efforts on target, made three key passes, completed 10 dribbles and even chipped in with a tackle and an interception.
“Pretty unplayable to be fair”
Everton had little in response to Saint-Maximin’s heroics and, after the game, Lampard admitted his team was up against a top player.
“It was a difficult game,” Lampard told BT Sport, as transcribed by Sky Sports.
“The performance, after a good performance on Saturday, it wasn’t at the levels that we want. We get in front and then concede quickly, inviting pressure.
“I think we have to be balanced about it. I’ve been here a week, we’ve come to a very difficult match against Newcastle, who are very effective in some of their direct play, the second balls and a player on the pitch like Saint-Maximin, who is pretty unplayable to be fair.
“There were elements of their game that were good and ours that weren’t so good, but we must keep pout heads up for sure because there’s a long way to go.
“People made a lot of out this game. I was very aware of the difficulties of this game, coming in fresh, and I learnt some bits about the team as well.”
While Newcastle move out of the Premier League relegation zone and into 17th, Everton are inching closer toward the drop zone.
The Blues have lost their last four league games in a row and are just three points above the bottom three.
