How?
Preseason is a time for optimism. A time when, no matter how bad last season was, you can look forward and dream about what your team might be capable of in the months that lie ahead.
And then there’s Everton.
Everton: MLS side hammer Toffees as Dele Alli misses from three yards out.
As is the case with a host of prominent European clubs, they’re over in the United States as they prepare for the coming season.
After losing 2-0 to Arsenal last weekend, Frank Lampard’s side followed up with a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.
🗨️ | "The players must be up for the fact they have to fight to play in the team." #EFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/LbeAn6kITx
— Everton (@Everton) July 21, 2022
Everton conceded three times in the opening half an hour, with the final goal coming in the last ten minutes.
Their day was best summed up by a horrific miss from Dele Alli.
Everton vs. Minnesota United FC
👕 Dele Alli
📆 Friendly Game 2022 pic.twitter.com/zQD5JEB89d
— Big Chance Missed (@ChanceMissed) July 21, 2022
The former Spurs midfielder looked set to score a tap-in when Mason Holgate squared a cross to him three yards from the Minnesota goal line. With the goalkeeper committed at his near post, all he had to do was guide the ball into an empty net.
But no. Appearing to come off his left heel, Alli skewed the ball wide of the right post. Not *quite* the worst miss we’ve seen lately, but certainly not pretty.
Dele. How is that even possible pic.twitter.com/HLLNj0CxWJ
— All Everton (@AIlEverton) July 21, 2022
Everton begin the Premier League season on August 6 when they play host to Chelsea at Goodison Park.
Following their 4-0 loss to Minnesota, Everton manager Lampard warned his team that they could be in a relegation battle again if they do not improve.
“The players have to work and understand we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season,” Lampard said.
FT. pic.twitter.com/pUspSknAbb
— Everton (@Everton) July 21, 2022
“We had an amazing night [against Crystal Palace] and an amazing run…but, as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly, so the players have to put it to bed as well, because we were in that fight for a reason. And if we don’t want to be in that situation again, they have to better and I have to be better.”
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