After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season, Everton's preseason form suggests those struggles are far from behind them.
While a 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday wasn't too surprising, Frank Lampard's side have now backed that up with a shock 4-0 defeat to MLS side Minnesota United.
The Toffees named a relatively strong starting side for the friendly match on Wednesday with Jordan Pickford, Micheal Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all on the team sheet.
Everton started promisingly but it all came undone in the 18th minute when Minnesota won a penalty for handball against Tom Davies.
The spot-kick was converted and just 18 minutes later the MLS side were up 3-0 with their second coming via an own goal from new signing James Tarkowski.
now this, this is the ultimate OPE pic.twitter.com/eOUYQOsL7C
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 21, 2022
Lampard's nightmare wasn't quite over either with none other than Alan Benitez wrapping up Minnesota's big win in the second half.
Everton made nine changes at half-time but were unable to work their way back into the contest against a team currently fourth in the MLS Western Conference.
The Toffees next face Blackpool in another friendly on July 24 and will kick off their Premier League season against Chelsea on August 6.
Can Lampard turn Everton around?
While preseason results can't be dissected too much, it's no secret that the Toffees struggled last season and went concerningly close to possible relegation.
Imagine an Everton fan traveling to the USA on holiday to watch his team. Then watch Minnesota United blow them out - after narrowly escaping relegation last year. Then, for a kicker, listening to a bunch of Minnesotans sing Wonderwall afterward. https://t.co/8iEAdc6DwB
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) July 21, 2022
Lampard, who was appointed manager in January, did just enough to steer Everton to safety as they finished 16th and four points clear of the drop.
The club have, however, barely strengthened their squad over the off-season and in fact head into the next campaign even weaker.
While Tarkowski has arrived from Burnley on a free transfer and should add some defensive steel, the Toffees sold their Brazilian star Richarlison.
Though the club pocketed a sizeable transfer fee, the 25-year-old's goals were crucial in their Premier League survival and he needs to be replaced.
With less than three weeks to go until the new season starts, Everton are quickly losing time to strengthen and if these preseason results are any indication, Lampard has plenty of work to do if his struggles are to end anytime soon.
