Frank Lampard credited his players for “giving everything” in Saturday’s opening-day clash with Chelsea and said only a lack of clinical edge prevented Everton from taking at least a point in a 1-0 loss.

Everton competed with intensity and purpose throughout a tightly-contested battle at Goodison Park.

Jorginho’s penalty in first-half stoppage-time proved the difference, however, with Everton unable to break down an experienced Chelsea defence despite a tireless collective effort.

The match was marred by an injury to Ben Godfrey early in the game, with Lampard confirming the defender suffered a “small fracture” of the fibula. He added he is unsure of how long Godfrey will be out for but said it will be “months rather than weeks”.

Lampard said it was also too early to provide a timeframe for Yerry Mina’s injury after the Colombian was forced off midway through the second half with a suspected ankle issue.

“It was a good performance and I don’t think we deserved to lose,” said Lampard. 

“In terms of both boxes and chances we created, I thought we deserved the draw.

“The energy and defensive structure were great from start to finish.

“We created three or four chances and, on another day, we score one of those and don’t lose the game. I think the lads did well in attack, and their mobility gave them lots of problems. 

“Anthony [Gordon] was generally the focal point, but [the front three] were mobile. I thought they did really well.

“Of course, if you have a number nine, you might score from one of the crosses in the first half.

“The lads gave everything. Thanks to the fans who turned up before the game. The atmosphere was great during the game. I thought our lads played their part in that.”

On the injuries to Godfrey and Mina, the boss said: “Ben has got a small fracture. 

“He’ll be out for a while and Yerry Mina has an ankle injury and possibly will be out for a while.

“When it rains, it pours. We had a little bit of that last season here unfortunately, but we have to dig in as a squad and get through that.”

Lampard reserved special praise for Alex Iwobi, who impressed alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure in central midfield.

The Everton manager highlighted the Nigerian’s versatility and willingness to fight for the team.

“Alex, playing in that number six role, did superb in the game,” he said.

“Because of his attitude, personality and humility, it doesn’t matter where he plays. He doesn’t bat an eyelid at what we ask them to do. 

“I thought him and Abdoulaye Doucoure played very well in midfield today.

“We gave Alex and Doucs some particular instruction today, because of the threat of Chelsea playing through the lines – and their energy and their quality – and they dealt with that brilliantly."