There isn’t a story out there about Arsenal being the best performing team in the Premier League this year.
Despite Everton’s slide towards relegation, Frank Lampard insists he has overseen improvement.
The former Chelsea and Derby manager took over at Goodison Park from Rafa Benitez 11 months ago and has kept the Toffees in the Premier League.
Lampard has struggled to lift Everton up the table after a limited summer investment, and Tuesday night’s 4-1 thrashing at home against Brighton has left him clinging to his job.
A FA Cup defeat to Manchester United tomorrow night could spell the end for the struggling Merseyside club, but the 44-year-old insists he has what it takes to turn things around.
Indeed, Lampard cited Mikel Arteta’s struggles during his first two years at Arsenal before transforming them into title contenders, despite spending over £300 million on new players.
‘Yes, I have seen improvement in the way we try to take the squad forward,’ said Lampard defiantly in his pre-match press conference.
‘Some of the things that happened last summer in terms of players who went in their own direction were beneficial to both the club and them. We’re looking for players who can help us move forward.
‘Some players need to settle and improve, and we will be there to assist them as soon as possible. In terms of league position, you would probably say no, because it takes time and effort.
‘There isn’t a story out there about Arsenal being the best performing team in the Premier League this year.
‘Looking at their journey over the last three years, you can see how typical a journey can be. It’s not an easy road, and it requires a significant investment, which is part of their story.
‘Every improvement has to be incremental, and then one day you say, ‘Oh here it is, here’s what it looks like.’ ‘At the moment, you can’t see it from the outside, but we have improved in my opinion.’