Everton manager Frank Lampard ‘definitely’ deserves more credit for the job he is doing at this moment in time, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Toffees have begun to climb the Premier League table in recent weeks thanks to a string of solid displays, easing fears of a second consecutive relegation battle in the blue half of Merseyside.

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Last season, Everton only secured their top-flight status on the penultimate weekend of the season, eventually finishing just four points above 18th-placed Burnley.

And due to their precarious financial situation off the pitch, Lampard was forced to sell one of his star performers in Richarlison to balance the books, offloading the talented attacker to Tottenham Hotspur for £60 million.

It seemed as though Everton were destined for another long season scrapping to keep themselves out of the bottom three in the opening weeks after they failed to win any of their opening five fixtures.

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However, back-to-back victories over West Ham United and Southampton either side of the international break have catapulted Lampard’s charges up to midtable obscurity.

What is perhaps even more impressive, though, is that Everton currently boast the best defensive record in the Premier League having conceded just seven goals, and have achieved their success without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

What has Jones said about Lampard?

When asked if Lampard is worthy of more praise, Jones disclosed that he definitely thinks so before offering a reminder that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has also pulled off some heroics.

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He told GiveMeSport: “Yeah, definitely. This team has definitely grown and come together at a time when a lot of people, even Lampard himself, was predicting a struggle this season.

“And they're doing alright. I mean, don't get me wrong, I think we have to consider that Jordan Pickford is working hard to keep them in games a lot of the time.”

Can Everton maintain their recent form?

Everton face some tough tests in their remaining fixtures throughout October as they host Manchester United next time out before travelling to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Slightly easier games on paper against Crystal Palace and Fulham follow but both teams are capable of putting in impressive displays when at their best.

Therefore, Lampard will know that now is not the time to ease off and praise his team and will surely be eager for his side to build on their recent momentum and pick up as many points as possible over the coming weeks.