Everton lost to Minnesota United 4-0 at the Allianz Field as they continued to get ready for the new season.
The Blues made numerous mistakes in defense in the first half and found themselves three goals down at the break.
After the break, the hosts scored again, with Dele Alli of Everton coming the closest after somehow missing from a yard away.
Even though Everton started a good lineup with players like Michael Keane, Anthony Gordon, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jordan Pickford, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, they fell behind three goals after just 36 minutes.
But in a morale-draining defeat before the new season, the Toffees’ powerful team was thrashed by the MLS Team.
Early on, after Tom Davies had handled the ball in the area, Emanuel Reynoso converted from the penalty spot, sending Pickford the wrong way.
At the halfway point, Michael Keane slipped a Kemar Lawrence cross directly into his own goal.
Luis Amarilla pounced three seconds before halftime after the Blues defense failed to eliminate the threat inside the area.
Both teams made several adjustments at halftime, but Minnesota maintained their lead as Abu Danladi added a fourth goal with 20 minutes remaining.
Everton, who was participating in their second preseason friendly, narrowly avoided being dropped from the Premier League the previous season.
After seeing this performance at the Allianz Field, their outraged manager Lampard said that things must change at the club and emphasized the necessity for a replacement up front following Richarlison’s departure to Tottenham.
Lampard’s reaction to Everton loss to Minnesota United
Lampard urged his team after the game that they must get better if they want to avoid another relegation struggle.
He told the club’s website: “The players have to work and understand we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season.
“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 be better and I have to be better.
“As a club, it [the Minnesota game] reinforced the situation in terms of what we need to do with the squad, because it has to be stronger than what we saw tonight.”
Everton transfer window
Tarkowski was the only addition to the starting lineup for Everton during the transfer window. Meanwhile, Richarlison’s exit has clearly limited the Toffees’ offensive options.
Lampard continued: “When you consider where we were a year ago, Richarlison was a significant player for us.
“Although we wish him well, our club is still active.
“We know there is a void in forwarding areas, we are short in numbers there. Additionally, I can be open about the areas of the team I want to strengthen since a team like Everton needs a strong roster.
“The players must be up for the fact they have to fight to play in the team. That begins for me on the first day of preseason and finishes at the conclusion of the season.
“The performance [against Minnesota] should give the guys a lot to think about on the way home because it’s certainly given me a lot to think about. That’s the sad part for me today. The guys have trained well and hard out here.”
If Everton wants to remain in the 2022/2023 Premier League season, they must make some big signings in the transfer market after losing Richarlison to Tottenham during the transfer window.
On Sunday, Everton will play Blackpool in their third preseason encounter after losing their first match against Arsenal.
