Frank Lampard believes his side deserved more from their match against West Ham and urged people to not focus on Alex Iwobi's mistake in the second half. Everton fell to another defeat on their travels on Sunday afternoon as David Moyes' side claimed a 2-1 victory.
Aaron Cresswell's free kick gave the hosts the lead in the first half, before Mason Holgate's deflected effort drew the sides level in the second period. Just minutes after the equaliser, Jarrod Bowen bagged the winner on the counter-attack for the hosts to leave the Blues in a dire situation in their fight against relegation.
Despite another defeat, Lampard could see the positives from his side's display at the London Stadium. And, the manager believes that his men deserved at least a draw for their efforts.
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He said: "Disappointed. We deserved a point in the game at least, I think, from our general play in the game. It was an afternoon where circumstances went against us, that can happen. But we deserved more in the game. Our game plan, discipline, character.
"We created enough chances, it's not easy to create against West Ham with the organisation that they have. There are things that we can be positive and happy about.
"Not the end result, but we've got ten more games. We carry on, things will turn and we'll be ok."
Iwobi looked sharp in the first half for his side following on from his dramatic winner last time out in the Premier League against Newcastle United. However, it was his mistake which gave the ball away in the build-up to the winning goal on this occasion.
Lampard was keen to focus on the strong aspects of the Nigeria international's display after the game. And, he urged those who had watched the match to do the same.
"He played really well, and I hope people don't focus too much on the negative and the mistake. You have to remind yourself that he scored us the winning goal against Newcastle," the Everton manager added.
"He's got attributes to be able to play in different positions, he's got the intelligence to take it in board. I thought his work rate was brilliant against a really strong midfield here at West Ham. He gave us a lot by coming into midfield. I thought he did well."
Following the full time whistle, Moyes shared his belief that his former side would be fine in their fight against relegation. Lampard agreed with that sentiment, especially given Everton's display this weekend.
However, with a crucial trip to Burnley on the horizon, the manager knows that his squad face a real battle in what could be a hugely important match against the drop.
Lampard added: "That's easy for him [Moyes] to say! I appreciate his sentiment and I know he's got close feelings towards the club.
"If he meant from seeing us today and feeling how we were as a team, then I agree. We're in that position, we know the reality of it. We've got ten games to go, which is a lot of points to be fighting for.
"As much as we don't like losing, the feeling of the game and how we performed was a plus. If we can replicate that, then I agree with him. The next game will always be so important, we can't even think in blocks of games because the next one is a competitor down in the same area of the table. No-one gets an easy game at Burnley.
"We need to continue with the character and application of our performance today, and keep working. When things are going against you, and they are, the only way to do it is to keep doing the right things and keep working.
"Hopefully Wednesday or maybe Saturday, maybe when Richarlison is through it goes in. When the other team gets a free kick it doesn't go in the top corner. Maybe our free kick goes in the top corner. We have to stay focused on ourselves and believe in ourselves for ten games."
