Everton 1 Chelsea 2: We must keep believing, says Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard called on Chelsea to keep believing that they can challenge for this season’s Premier League title after his brace helped the Blues beat Everton.

Chelsea fell behind after just 62 seconds at Goodison Park when Steven Pienaar finished from close range.

But the Blues fought back through man-of-the-match Lampard, who netted either side of the break to move the west Londoners up to third in the table.

“It was very hard,” Lampard told Sky Sports. “This is always one of the most difficult games of the season.

“We got a tanking here last year and we had to stand up for ourselves. We went 1-0 down but after half an hour we started getting into the game. Once we got a foothold we got a goal at a good time.

“It was always going to be very close and we did ride our luck at times.

“We have to keep believing this season – there is a long way to go. We can only win our games then rely on other things.”

Lampard’s future has been a source of speculation in recent months, with his current contract set to expire in the summer.

Reports have claimed the Chelsea are prepared to let the 34-year-old leave Stamford Bridge – and Lampard revealed that there had not been any talks over a new contract.

He said: “We haven’t been talking [about a new contract] in the last couple of weeks and I’m am just concentrating on playing. Playing games gives me enough satisfaction then what will be will be.”