Frank Lampard wants Everton to build on their win over Leeds as the club prepare to face a ‘tough’ Southampton side this weekend.
Lampard secured his first league win as Everton manager with a 3-0 victory over Leeds last weekend, goals from Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon ending a run of four consecutive defeats.
The win leaves Everton five points clear of the Premier League’s relegation places and Lampard is hopeful his side can build momentum as the Toffees look to move clear of the bottom three.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Southampton, the 43-year-old hailed his side’s performance against Leeds but insisted there is still ‘a lot of work to be done’.
“Hopefully it helps,” he said. “It was a very good performance, we know that and we’ve analysed that. We’ve had run of long run of tough results so that is one thing that can give you that little bounce. But of course, we need to keep our heads very settled. It is one result; we’ve had two wins, one in the cup and one in the league, but there is a lot of work to be done.”
Lampard discussed his potential team selection and his dilemmas with personnel, but admitted there is an ‘argument’ to field the same side that performed well against Leeds.
“They are my choices; there is an argument for saying ‘same again’, but we thought the same going into Newcastle and it didn’t quite work, so it is not a statement of fact.
“The players have to feel ready through the week that they can find a way into the team, or if we change our approach for the opposition. Leeds to Southampton, two good teams in lots of different ways. So I’ll consider that; we’ve got players that are hungry.”
Lampard also discussed Southampton, who have impressed in recent weeks with just one defeat in their past eight Premier League fixtures.
That run includes draws with both Manchester clubs and Lampard is expected a difficult challenge against a side who have ‘been together a long time’.
“They’ve been together a long time. Through tough times, they stick together and push in the same direction. That is a sign of a strong club with a manager who has belief in his players. They are in good form and it’ll be a tough match.”
The Everton boss also spoke on Armando Broja, who has impressed during a season-long loan spell at Southampton from Chelsea.
Lampard handed the 20-year-old – who has eight goals in all competitions this season – his debut at Chelsea and highlighted the threat the Albanian will pose to his side this weekend.
“I gave him his debut at Chelsea. He’s a very nice, talented young boy. He came into us at the start of Covid and started training with us and showed the attributes you’re seeing now in the Premier League at Southampton. He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s got a real eye for goal. I’m very aware of his talents.”
