By Matthew Shaw

5th Nov, 2022 | 2:10pm

Jeff Stelling: Everton perception has changed despite relegation zone gap still being slim in Premier League

Jeff Stelling has insisted that the perception of Everton has been changed by Frank Lampard since his time taking over in the Premier League.

The Sky Sports host admitted that despite sharing that the gap to the relegation zone remains slim at only three points as things stand to the bottom three.

The Toffees have taken four points from their last two outings, and boast one of the best defensive records in the entire division after big changes.

Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday [05 November, 13:35], Stelling kickstarted the conversation ahead of the Leicester showdown this evening.

“How secure do we think Everton are?” he said.

“Four points from two games, couple of clean sheets. Three points off the relegation places, but the perception of Everton has changed in recent weeks.”

Kris Boyd replied with what everyone is thinking: “I think they’re in a far better place than when Frank Lampard took over.”

Change.

That is the main word when you think about Lampard and what he managed to do over the summer.

Looking at the squad after that horrendous relegation battle last season, the clear issue was in defence, and signings were made to make sure that was fixed.

Conor Coady and James Tarkowski were unbelievable additions, and when we look at the squad now, there are reliable options to call upon.

With January coming up, another attacking option may be looked at to make sure that the three points gap is extended rather than coming down and causing more panic.

There is simply no chance of relegation being on the cards at Goodison Park with all eyes on moving up the table rather than downwards and sprinting towards that new stadium.

Lampard has fallen in love with Everton, and everyone here has fallen in love with him.

Let’s hope that continues this upward spiral and the perception continues to change for the good on Merseyside.