Frank Lampard has reiterated his belief that Everton Toffees can keep the Premier League alive and that "Lampard is alive and well."
Everton took a 2-1 lead in the crucial game against Benfica, who struggled to get back into the second half at Turf Moor on Wednesday night, but once again experienced a close-knit defensive error.
Everton have won their first away league game since August, a six-point lead in the relegation zone, thanks to goals from Jay Rodriguez and Maxwell Cornet.
He leaves Lampard's side just one point ahead of 18th-placed Clarets ahead of Saturday's clash with Manchester United at Goodison Park.
Everton have won just one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with United (D6 L6) in the last three years under Marco Silva.
Silva is one of six permanent managers hired by Farhad Moshiri, who owns a majority stake in Everton since 2016, and the managerial uprising has raised hopes of replacing Toffees' silverware and European entry. With a keen bid to retain their top position.
Everton have not been knocked out of the competition, with Lampard, the first manager to start unbeaten in his first five away games at a Premier League club starting in 2019 in Huddersfield Town, knowing full well that he needs nine games remaining.
"We have to improve ourselves. Sometimes it's good to come out fast," Lampard told a news conference.
"During my short coaching career, "I played two or three games for Chelsea for 18 months. It could be a sign of football in the Premier League. no problem, I signed up for this.
"We are a big club and people will tell us about our work. "Yes, but we are proud to manage this place. The team is going in a positive way.
"I came to a great club with a lot of great players and they worked well. I understand the result was a turning point.
"If it weren't for you, it 's going in a different direction. Everyone is working hard, we just need those results.
"I understand. The fans are enthusiastic and make a career out of the club. I've been in football for five minutes and I want the club to live and breathe and stay in the league. I have to deal with that. I have to do my job."
The key to Everton's survival is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He has scored just three goals in three games at the start of the season due to injury.
Calvert-Lewin has returned to full fitness in recent weeks, but watched with great speed, losing to Ben Lay and cutting off just one key at a time. Lampard has full confidence in the England striker.
"I fully support him," Lampard told Calvert-Lewin.
"Dominic is fit now and the next step is to support him as much as he can. Can we get the goals we want from him? I know how much he wants. I fully believe that. "It will be good for him to score goals."