Everton manager Frank Lampard has urged his squad to show “spirit and togetherness” in their fight against Premier League relegation.
Following Burnley’s win at Watford on Saturday (30 April), Everton headed into yesterday’s (1 May) clash against Chelsea with a five-point deficit towards safety but Richarlison struck a 46th minute to restore their two-point gap in front of a raucous home crowd.
Speaking post-match about the Toffees’ win over his former team, Lampard praised the home fans for their electric enthusiasm pre-match, which was carried from outside Goodison Park upon arrival into the stadium itself which inspired players.
Acknowledging how important the fans were in securing the huge win which puts them two points from safety with two games in hand, Lampard said: “Men, women and youngsters, all Everton crazy, they love this club and they pushed us over the line.
“It was amazing and I can only thank them. I have been through a lot in football but it was a goosebumps moment on the way in.
“It is not the norm, driving up and seeing the fans like that, it is special, and it makes a big difference when you feel pushed on by the ferocity and nice aggression of the fans support.”
Lampard also insisted that the playing squad understand how much the club means to fans but iterated that the crowd atmosphere was a great reminder, which motivated them to deliver “an outstanding display” against third-placed Chelsea with “great discipline and work ethic” inspired by the support.
Everton’s final five games will sees them visit Leicester and Watford followed by crucial home matches against Brentford and Crystal Palace, ahead of a potentially crucial must-win visit to Arsenal on the final day of the season.
“There are a lot of points fight for – we are still in the relegation zone, we have the extra game but we have to go with that same spirit in every match,” commented Lampard who is still wary of Everton’s chances of survival despite having two games in hand.
The ex Chelsea player and manager also added that he had “prodded” his squad ahead of the match to give them additional confidence, yet iterated that it can’t be an one-off display as he added: “The situation is clear, we need to perform at that level in our remaining games.
“They did what they’ve done at Goodison for me, performed with spirit and togetherness and tactical organisation.”
Lampard also made it clear that despite yesterday’s win, his Everton players should not “relax” because the club are still in the relegation zone, which is mainly down to their poor away form with just one point from their last 12 league matches on the road.
Accepting that scrutiny from fans and media alike will increase if Everton fail to get any points at Leicester and Watford, Lampard said: “People are right to ask questions if the players don’t produce that level of performance against Leicester and Watford.”