Everton sack Frank Lampard – The Athletic

Frank Lampard has been sacked by Everton following their 2-0 defeat at West Ham United.

Everton ownership made the decision to do without Lampard on Monday.

Lampard’s side were beaten 2-1 by 20th-placed Southampton last weekend and their latest defeat prompted the board to act, with Everton only bottom of the table on goal difference.

The Merseyside club have recorded just three wins in 20 Premier League appearances this season, most recently against Crystal Palace on October 22. No team has won fewer games so far in the division.

Ahead of the Southampton game, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri had given his backing to Lampard, but after the West Ham defeat he claimed sacking him was “not his decision”.

But the loss to West Ham, another struggler this season, was one defeat too many for Lampard.

Jarrod Bowen struck twice in the first half to put the game away and only a late Ollie Watkins winner for Aston Villa against Southampton prevented Everton from finishing the day bottom of the table.

Lampard took over at Everton in January 2022, following the departure of Rafa Benitez. Under Lampard, Everton avoided relegation last season and finished with 39 points.

After a summer that saw £84million spent on seven permanent signings, Everton have started the 2022-23 campaign in decent form. They have lost just two of their first eight league games and by early October they were 11th in the Premier League.

This is the second time Lampard has been relieved of his duties at a Premier League side. In January 2021 he was sacked by Chelsea after poor form left his former club ninth.

Everton host top-flight Arsenal in their next fixture on Saturday February 4, ahead of a Merseyside derby against Liverpool nine days later.

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