Frank Lampard: Everton boss has 'no fear' about what lies ahead following heavy defeat at Spurs

Frank Lampard says he has «no fear» about what lies ahead after Everton's relegation troubles deepened with a 5-0 hammering at Tottenham.

The Toffees are one point above the relegation zone after a seventh defeat in eight Premier League games.

They have 22 points from 25 games — Everton's lowest total at this stage of a top-flight season in their history.

«I have no problems with the challenge,» added Lampard after his heaviest defeat as a manager.

Monday's thrashing was Everton's ninth defeat in 13 league games away from home this season.

Their 13 remaining games include fixtures against teams chasing European places and the title, including West Ham (away), Manchester United (home), Liverpool (away), Chelsea (home) and Arsenal (away).

Lampard said he «can't wait» for Everton's next two games — Wolves at home on Sunday followed by Newcastle at home on 17 March.

«I will be ready for them, the players will be ready for them, they have to be ready for them,» he added.

«I didn't walk into the building with a magic wand.

»The feeling at this club when I came here was we could be going down. It was clear around the city, it was up to me to change that and I thought we had changed that.

«But this is a test of that. I had 20 years as a player, I had hundreds of periods like this.»

Lampard said it was vital everyone at the club sticks together.

«The general feeling has been very good and we cannot lose that because people will throw things at us for one bad game,» he said.

«We have to think of the bigger picture — there are 13 games to go.

»Before I came in, there were issues and they are becoming clearer. But it is important the positivity remains, not stupid positivity."

Chris Sutton, former Premier League winner, speaking to BBC Radio 5