Everton boss Frank Lampard hails Man City draw a 'big deal' as Toffees move away from bottom three
- Seb Sternik
- 31 December 2022
Everton did something few teams have managed in 2022 and left the Etihad Stadium with a point in the bag.
Demarai Gray sealed the draw after cancelling out Erling Haaland's opener with a stunning goal in a feisty Premier League clash.
It was a first point in four matches for 16th-placed Everton. The Toffees, who had lost 2-1 at home to Wolves in their first post-World Cup game, are now two points above the relegation zone.
Boss Frank Lampard said: "I think we did limit their (City's) good chances, and in terms of our character and discipline and following through with the plan, working consistently for 100-odd minutes, understanding that's sometimes tough and you have to stick with it, I thought we did that brilliantly and we deserved a point.
"It's a big one for us because it comes off a sucker punch against Wolves. To come to the champions and get something back in a tough game is a big deal for us, albeit a point, but it's a big deal for the dressing room.
"It'd be great to come here and open up against City and try to go toe-to-toe but they are at such a level and the position we're in at the moment that's not for us. I think we can be really proud of the way we approached the game."
Lampard described Gray's strike as "unstoppable", adding: "When he hits a goal like that it just shows you the talent he's got, and it got us a point."
Lampard also spoke about Michael Keane withdrawing from the matchday squad, saying: "We're hoping it's a small injury to the back of the knee which he felt in training yesterday and felt again in the warm up today, so we will get that scanned."
