Manager Frank Lampard celebrated Everton's victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Thursday so frantically that he complained of breaking his hand in the wake of the precious 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.
Alex Iwobi scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time to give Lampard and the crowd a raucous celebration amid relief with another small step in the battle to survive relegation.
"I think I broke my hand," Lampard told reporters. "After the goal I knew it was shaking and it hurt a bit, but after the three points I won't complain."
Frank Lampard is BUZZING!
He knows how important that goal could be!
đ”#EVENEW #PLonPrime pic.twitter.com/qiXEqHQVDs
â Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) March 17, 2022
Lampard had spoken before the match that it was not a match that must be won, but the reaction of the coach, players and fans after the end was an expression of its importance, as the team moved 3 points away from the relegation zone.
"It was a tough match, what it means to the club... we know it's only 3 points, but it's very valuable at the moment," Lampard said. It wasn't a game that I would over-analyze, I'm not satisfied with a lot of what we've done."
Frank Lampard broke his hand celebrating Everton's late win over Newcastle United đ± pic.twitter.com/Nrnmk1ohme
â Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 18, 2022
"But the only thing that will be the basis of our survival in the Premier League is the spirit in this club and the teamwork. The players and the fans showed that.. Both were amazing."
The winning goal came despite Everton's 10-man squad after referee Craig Pawson changed his decision from a yellow card to sending off midfielder Alan after an interference on Newcastle's Saint-Maximan.
Lampard, who received an apology from the League for not awarding a penalty kick to his team after a handball near the end of the 1-0 loss against Manchester City, is another incorrect decision that has become a hallmark of what his team is facing.
He explained, "It is not a red card. We were subjected to a series of blatant and unjust decisions in a short period. You cannot tell me that the referee's decision was correct. We are waiting for decisions that will benefit us."