Football
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    Everton news: Frank Lampard delighted with 'effort and work rate' during Leeds win

    Sean FisherSean Fisher12 February 2022
    Michael Keane celebrates his goal against Leeds United

    Michael Keane celebrates his goal against Leeds United

    Everton claimed a vital three points on Saturday afternoon, with their 3-0 win over Leeds taking them just a point behind the Yorkshire-based side.

    The Toffees took an early 2-0 lead thanks to headers from captain Seamus Coleman and fellow defender Michael Keane.

    Leeds United came close to reducing the deficit minutes later as Rodrigo's strike rattled the crossbar, but Frank Lampard's team held out until the break.

    In the second half, Everton added a third through Richarlison's shot, which deflected in off Anthony Gordon. A crucial three points takes them five points clear of the drop zone.

    After a worrying 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United last week dragged them further towards relegation, Lampard was "absolutely delighted" to bounce back with a win.
    "From minute one, right through the game, against a really good team - Leeds are a fantastic team, we saw it against Aston Villa in the week , they never stop, great quality, but we didn't allow them anything today.
    "I know they hit the bar from distance, but in terms of our effort, our work rate, the nature of the team, how we wanted to play, how compact we were, some of the quality play, opportunities created, we created so many good opportunities in the game - I'm really happy.
    However, while clearly excited about the victory, Lampard insisted that his side have to remain grounded.
    "I've been here two weeks, it's only a start, that's for sure and I won't get overexcited. But I can enjoy it. Seeing my team play like that was everything we wanted." Lampard added.
    While Lampard oversaw a 4-1 win against Brentford in the FA Cup, it was Everton's first league win in seven games, and their only clean sheet since early November.
    Having done so without the injured Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey, Lampard reserved additional praise for his side's defensive performance.
    "Credit to the lads. Defending is a team effort and it starts from the front and that was what was so enjoyable and good about today.
    "The front men, the wide men jumping out to people, the compact nature of the team, and then when you do have to defend, which Leeds will always make you in your box, we dealt with things great.
    "It's a good thing for the team to feel the confidence of a clean sheet. I know it's been a while, we'll keep working on that and it's so integral to getting us to where we want to be. It was a huge part of the game for us today."

    The victory takes Everton to just a point behind Leeds United in 15th, and Marcelo Bielsa took blame for the side's disappointing performance.

    "That was an error on my part," the Argentinian said.
    "I put Mateusz Klich in front of our three centre-backs and he couldn't do what he does best, which is make runs in attack.
    "I assigned a task to him that was going to be difficult for him to do."
    Everton are next in action against Southamtpon next Saturday, while Leeds face a fiesty clash against rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

    READ MORE: Manchester United news: Ralf Rangnick frustrated at 'wrong decisions' during Southampton clash

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