Alex Iwobi insists Everton are “hungry and ready for the fight” as they prepare for a defining Premier League run-in – and believes the strong togetherness in the team and unstinting support of Evertonians can inspire the results required to retain the Club’s top-flight status.

Iwobi was a central part of a wholehearted and courageous Everton display in Sunday’s 240th Merseyside derby at Anfield.

And while Frank Lampard’s team did not have any points to show for their tireless efforts, Iwobi says the nature of the Blues’ performance means the squad will go into Sunday’s clash with Chelsea at Goodison Park with their “heads high” and intent on continuing their strong home form. Everton have taken seven points from their past three matches at Goodison.

Iwobi, who has completed 90 minutes in each of Everton’s past six Premier League matches, told evertontv: “We are ready for the fight. 

“It’s not going to be easy but we’re ready for it.

“We are not going to dwell on this [derby defeat]. Especially with the captain, Seamus, he is always helping us to keep our heads up and go again.

“We need everyone. It’s a team thing and everyone is ready to fight. 

“We know where we are. We are going to focus on ourselves, prepare for Chelsea and try to get a result. 

“We have great chemistry and great spirit in the team. I’m sure we can get out of this situation.”

Iwobi delivered one of the most exhilarating moments of the season when he scored an incredible 99th-minute winner against Newcastle United at a rocking Goodison last month.

The forward explained how Evertonians’ sustained vocal backing provides the players with a bolt of extra energy and gives them confidence they can overcome any opposition.

“We have this belief at Goodison,” he said.

“To be fair, the fans were amazing at Anfield, too. They stuck behind us even when we were 2-0 down. 

“When we have the full capacity at Goodison Park behind us, we know it feels like that extra man in our team. We feel that when we’re playing and we’re confident we can get a result.

“All the fans ask for is 100 per cent effort and to fight for the Club. I’m sure they can see we did that against Liverpool.”

On the specific elements of Everton’s Anfield performance they will take into Sunday’s match, Iwobi added: “The positive was the fight and determination we showed. 

“We were able to make chances and we just needed to be more clinical. 

“Even when we went a goal down, we still had the belief we could get one back and we had a few chances to equalise.

“Everyone put 100 per cent in and we just have to go again. 

“You can see everyone is fighting for the manager and for ourselves. We have a lot to prove.”