Your Everton morning headlines for Saturday, April 2
Frank Lampard clarifies Crystal Palace comments and what people took 'the wrong way'
Frank Lampard has offered clarification on his comments following the defeat to Crystal Palace.
Before the international break, the manager's post-match interview after his side's 4-0 defeat picked up a lot of attention from the fanbase and from the wider media.
The Blues boss questioned the commitment of his players following another defeat on their travels, wondering whether his squad had the "b*******" to compete. That caused debate among some quarters on whether Lampard should have addressed his side in such a fashion.
READ MORE: Everton have seven weeks to avoid whole new world of pain after £120m blow
READ MORE: Frank Lampard must fix Everton first-half problem that started with Rafa Benitez
However the manager maintains that his players, and some of those questioning his method, will have heard worse in the past. And, he reiterated that he will continue to push his squad, while explaining why he had such questions about their confidence and character following the defeat before the international break.
Read the full story from Adam Jones.
Everton run-in plotted as verdict given on biggest match and rearranged fixtures
As the Premier League returns this weekend Everton fans will resume the practice of not just following the Blues’ fixtures but also keeping an eye on surrounding teams.
Rarely has each weekend been filled with such tension but the reality of this run-in is the performances of rivals will have a major impact. With 11 games to play - almost one third of a season - the good news is Everton control their own destiny.
Three games in hand over Leeds and Brentford mean both clubs remain within sight despite crucial wins in recent gameweeks.
With one of the most important periods of Everton’s Premier League history beginning at West Ham United on Sunday, this is how the run-in currently looks not just for the Toffees, but for those also in the survival battle.