Frank Lampard has challenged his Everton team to showcase the positive strides taken in both quality and mentality when they face Manchester United at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Blues go into the game unbeaten in seven matches and following back-to-back wins over West Ham United and Southampton.

Lampard explained how victory over Erik ten Hag’s team would be a further “good signal” for his players and strengthen the growing belief within the squad.

In the previous meeting between the teams in April, Everton displayed resilience and determination to record a vital 1-0 victory in the Premier League run-in.

Lampard urged his team to show how far they have come since last season by stamping their authority in Sunday’s game.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “We had to dig in and fight against teams like Manchester United and Chelsea to beat them last season – but can we approach games like Sunday’s with a different mentality and think about us and what we can do to compete with teams at this level?

“I think we’re in a different phase now. If we can get our performance right, we’ll have a good chance in this game.

“It’s important for us, when we’re on a good run, to focus on ourselves. If we keep doing things well, we should be able to give a lot of teams problems. We will be confident in what we can do.

“It would be a nice signal [to win the game] in the short-term, not so much to the outside but to ourselves.

“Manchester United are a fantastic team and they have really good individual players. They are one of the strongest squads in the Premier League.

“We are aware of that, but we also have in confidence in ourselves and an understanding of what we can be like, especially at Goodison.

“I know it will be a great atmosphere. We need to play our part.”

Lampard believes Everton’s hard work on the training pitch and strong summer transfer window have been key to the improved results and “good feeling” at the Club.

And he is convinced his team can further elevate their performances.

“It was about making sure we brought the right people in [regarding recruitment] – but also the work on the training ground to get better,” he explained.

“Last season, we came into a very tense situation and had to fight our way out of a relegation battle.

“Now we’ve had time to work with more confidence, less tension, in a positive direction, and the players have bought into that.

“It’s still very early. We’ve got two wins on the board and we want a lot more. People are seeing we are going in the right direction and we’re doing better. There’s more to come.”

Everton boast the best defensive record in the Premier League, with the Blues having conceded just seven goals in the top-flight so far this season.

“I’m very happy because it’s a base that can help you win games,” Lampard added.

“I’m also happy for the lads, because when you work as a team collectively it’s a really nice stat to hold onto.

“What we have, for sure, is a great spirit and organisation. And we work hard on the training pitch, in trying to have that solid base. This Premier League is unforgiving, though, and if we drop those standards, then those nice things can change.

“We must take pride in that [the defensive record] and try to get even better, because we can certainly improve defensively."

See below for further key points from the manager’s press conference…

On Alex Iwobi’s exceptional form…

“He’s been a fantastic player for me. I wanted to move him into central midfield because I felt it really suited his attributes. I’m delighted he’s getting the recognition he deserves as being one of the top midfielders in the Premier League at the moment. That’s how I feel about him. I think he can add more to his game, because of his talent. I think he can assist more and score himself, too. But I’m not complaining, he’s been fantastic for us.”

On whether Everton will make Conor Coady’s loan move permanent...

“Conor has been amazing in his own performances and his influence on the team on and off the pitch. That’s really visible. He’s settled in really quickly. Conor knows how I feel about him and how the Club feels about him. But I don’t think it’s time for an answer to that question [on making his transfer permanent], but I know what my feeling is, and we’ll see.”

On the possibility of Seamus Coleman staying at Everton beyond this season…

“Everyone understands what Seamus is to the Club. If the performance levels are there and he wants to stay, and he knocks on my door, there’s no doubt I’ll do anything I can to make that happen. He’s one of the best people I’ve worked with in this game. If he feels he is playing well and contributing to this club, he’ll want to stay and help the cause. It’s an ongoing situation. But Seamus will know and we know that whatever capacity he wants to be in this club...he deserves whatever he wants.”

On Evertonians’ passionate backing….

“The fans’ support is great. It’s a nice personal thing for me and I’ve had it since I got here, but the biggest thing is how it affects the players. Now, what I feel, is that the fans have a team they like the look of. They like the commitment and quality the team are showing. I think there is a real positive feeling [between the team and fans]. That’s a really important thing, because fans pay their money and they love the club, and they need to feel the players are really understanding of that.”