Everton relegation task clearer as midweek results give Frank Lampard key motivation

Results went largely in Everton's favour in the Premier League on Thursday night, making Frank Lampard's task clearer in the relegation battle.

The Toffees are sat in 17th place in the table, a point and a place above Burnley in the drop zone.

Neither Everton nor the Clarets were in action on Thursday, although a number of other sides down at the wrong end of the standings did take to the field.

Newcastle United continued their recent surge with a 2-1 win over Southampton, putting them 10 points clear of the relegation places and realistically out of the battle to survive.

Perhaps most importantly for Everton, Aston Villa hammered Leeds United 3-0 at Elland Road.

The Yorkshire club would have been hoping for a bounce in Jesse Marsch's first home game in charge, but Steven Gerrard's visitors were too professional on the night, as goals from Philippe Coutinho, Matty Cash and Calum Chambers gave them the three points.

While Leeds remain a point ahead of the Toffees, the Blues have three games in hand and a significantly superior goal difference on their relegation rivals.

Elsewhere, it's looking increasingly unlikely that Norwich City will be able to pull themselves out of trouble, as the bottom club lost 3-1 at home to European champions Chelsea. They have played three games more than Everton and are five points adrift.

Watford have also played three games more than the Toffees and they remain three points back after their 4-0 mauling at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday.

The result may be a bittersweet for Evertonians.

Although the three points plunges Watford further into the mire, the victory saw Wolves rebuild some confidence after a three-game losing streak.

The European hopefuls are the next visitors