Frank Lampard let his Toffees chew over sticky situation before Chelsea win

Everton manager Frank Lampard felt it was time to spell out the reality of the club’s precarious situation to his players ahead of the visit of Chelsea and he was delighted with their response.

A hugely-significant 1-0 win came courtesy of Richarlison’s fourth goal in five matches and a brilliant second-half goalkeeping performance from Jordan Pickford.

Burnley’s surprise late comeback against Watford on Saturday had left Lampard’s side five points adrift of safety heading into the game and the manager decided he needed to address it before they arrived at Goodison Park.

“I think it was an important moment to talk about the reality of the situation,” he said.

I think it was an important moment to talk about the reality of the situation- Frank Lampard

“You can keep telling the players to believe. Then there are other times when the demands are this.

“To be good lads is not enough to stay in this league. It is clear what the table looks like.

“My feeling was we needed an extra boost, an extra bit of attention, and to be fair the players delivered that.

“I mentioned it (the Burnley result) briefly to the players this morning because I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a fear or a lack of hope with the points difference.”

Lampard’s side have taken 10 points from the last 12 at home and a raucous Goodison, both outside before the game and inside throughout, will play a huge part in their future with two more home matches remaining.

Burnley and Leeds, with an inferior goal difference, are only two points away and Everton have a match in hand – at home to Crystal Palace three days before the final day of the season – so their destiny remains in their hands.

“I don’t know what is in your hands around the bottom of the table,” the