Frank Lampard finally has the win he needed to silence the critics questioning his claims of progress.
For six weeks the Blues boss has faced scrutiny over whether he could build on Everton 's Premier League survival, doubters desperate to ignore the wider context of the challenge he faces at Goodison Park. While those on the outside pointed to the collection of just four points from the opening six league games, those in Royal Blue have acknowledged the steps forward that have been clear on the pitch.
Supporters know of the continuing injury nightmare he has faced, the size of the squad rebuild he needs to undertake and the constraints placed on him in the transfer market after years of miscalculated excess. And the fans who have backed Everton through the worst of the last 12 months have been able to see the vast improvement on the pitch - most notably in the stark contrast in performances and style from the Anfield Merseyside derby defeat in April to the entertaining draw earned against Liverpool at Goodison Park earlier this month.
