Everton manager Frank Lampard is going to ‘take a while’ to ‘impose his own playing style’ at Goodison Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 43-year-old replaced the sacked Rafa Benitez in January, signing a two-and-half-year contract, but has made a slow start to life on Merseyside.

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Benitez was relieved of his duties after securing just one victory in his final 13 Premier League games at the helm, leaving Everton sitting in 15^th position, just six points above the relegation zone.

At first, it seemed as though Lampard’s arrival would have the desired effect as the Toffees comfortably saw off Brentford 4-1 in the FA Cup, sparking hope of a change in fortunes.

However, just one victory in Everton’s five top-flight fixtures during the English tactician’s short reign has left them hovering just one point and one place above the bottom three.

A humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur last time out highlighted the issues at hand for Lampard as he attempts to guide them up the table, although the new boss is attempting to overhaul the style of play in Merseyside.

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Under Benitez, Everton were more defensive-minded, often playing a 4-4-1-1 formation, relying on the presence of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucouré in the middle of the park for protection.

But Lampard is attempting to be more expansive and play on the front foot, when possible, which has potentially led to some initial teething problems.

What has O’Rourke said about Lampard?

In his first two games in the Everton dugout, Lampard set his team up in a 3-4-3 formation, allowing his wing-backs and three forwards the freedom to attack and express themselves.

He also experimented with this setup in the first half of their FA Cup tie against Boreham Wood, and O’Rourke believes it will take time for the ex-Chelsea boss to successfully implement his philosophy, which could be a major worry.

“It's going to take a while for Frank Lampard to impose his own playing style; he has changed things there at Everton; he’s trying to play a 3-4-3 formation,” he said in an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport.

Will Everton avoid relegation?

Everton are in a precarious position in the Premier League table at this moment in time, although the fact that eight of their remaining 13 fixtures are at home will be a relief.

So far this season, the Blues have won five and drawn one of their 12 home games, while coming out victorious on just one occasion on the road.

Therefore, Lampard will be targeting games at Goodison Park against the likes of Wolves, Newcastle United and Brentford to pick up three points in, significantly boosting their chances of avoiding relegation.