Iwobi is flying under Lampard but there is room for improvement

Nigeria and Everton forward Alex Iwobi believed he has had a good start under Everton new manager Frank Lampard but there is room for improvement.

Speaking ahead of their match against West Ham on Sunday Iwobi reveal Everton players have pushed the reset button ahead of 11 “cup finals” to avoid relegation.

 Iwobi was the last-gasp hero when Everton beat Newcastle United for three precious points 16 days ago.

The explosion of noise inside Goodison Park after Iwobi struck deep into stoppage time was illustrative of the importance of the goal in the context of Everton's campaign.

Defeat by Crystal Palace in an FA Cup quarter-final three days later, however, was a reminder of the inconsistency that has dogged Everton's season. 

A fortnight’s pause following the Cup disappointment was timely, reckons Iwobi, who is vowing his side will emerge from the international break fired up and ready to banish their capricious form.

Everton begin a rush of three games in seven days with a trip to West Ham United on Sunday.

“The international break came at the right time and we are ready to go again,” said Iwobi.

“We have a lot of finals before the end of the season and have to compete in every one.

“This is to stay in the best league in the world and... we need to fight for our club.

“There are no individuals, we are ready to bounce back and fight as a team.

“Seamus [Coleman] has spoken to us about having the hunger and showing Everton have a lot of fight.

“Everyone is ready to fight and show people what we are capable of."

Iwobi, who joined Everton from Arsenal in August 2019, has started four of Frank Lampard’s seven Premier League matches in charge.

He played from the beginning against Newcastle and was still full of running when a barmy game entered the ninth minute of time added on.

The 25-year-old admitted he’d love to bottle the feelings he experienced as Goodison rejoiced.

On an individual note, Iwobi is ready to seize his increasing opportunities under Lampard, a confirmed fan of the player's industry and ability.

“Every player thrives on confidence and if the manager has faith and belief in you, it gives you an extra boost to express yourself – and this manager gives me that confidence,” said Iwobi.

“It [Newcastle climax] was crazy. The scenes were amazing. 

“It is one of those feelings you wish never disappears.

“We want that atmosphere all the time, so we must keep working to make sure there’s many feelings like those in future.

“It comes down to the players [to set tone]… it is not always down to the fans and the manager.

“I am in a good place, a good headspace, and, hopefully, it continues – but turns into results for the team, like against Newcastle.

“I have done well since Frank arrived but there is always room to improve.”

Iwobi attributes his relative success following Lampard’s appointment to instructions to maraud infield from his position on the flanks and "get involved and play as much as I can". 

There is a demand from the former Chelsea boss to work furiously to recover possession, too. Every player thrives on confidence and if the manager has faith and belief in you, it gives you an extra boost to express yourself – and this manager gives me that confidence.

And it is that level of commitment Iwobi insists is key to arresting a poor away run at West Ham, currently seventh in the standings and unbeaten in four home matches.

“We can’t hide from the league table, but we're not looking at that, we're taking it game by game,” added Iwobi, whose team face Burnley and Manchester United in quick succession following the West Ham clash.

“And we have the belief that with our players, if we give 100 per cent, we have the ability to beat West Ham.

“But we have to show that ability on a regular basis.

“We are trying to look forward, to play without worries and fears and climb the table.

"Our only concern is ourselves. If we are getting the results we need, other results don't matter.

“And we are asking the fans to stay behind us. With their support, we can compete with any team."