Lampard happy to finally have a striker fix after Maupay secures crucial Everton winner

Everton manager Frank Lampard has praised Neal Maupay after the summer signing scored the game's only goal in the 1-0 win over West Ham.

The Toffees went Sunday's game without a win in the Premier League this season.

In a rather disappointing encounter for the neutral, former Brighton striker Maupay appeared to score a fantastic second-half winner.

"The reality is that we have worked hard this season and deserve better," Lampard told Sky Sports. "Our fans are amazing.

"To hold on, to fight, to dig, we showed a lot of games. We will improve. This team must reflect the fans. The passion of the fans, they demand things and they better see them. We have players who can offer that, characters.

"I hope our football can improve further. Let's hope the fans are happy. No one is getting carried away. Right now there is a decent feeling around the place."

Scoring goals for his team was a big priority for Lampard during the summer transfer window.

On the game winner Maupay, the Toffees boss added: "We brought him in for that reason. He's a proven goalscorer in the Premier League.

"We played a few games at the start of the season with false nines, trying to find solutions.

"There were times in games with that bit of a clinical finish we would have gotten more points. How far he kept that first touch and how fast he shot that's why he scored .

"You can see we've added a lot in the dressing room. We have to be tough to beat."

Maupay will be hoping to build on their first goal and the club's first win of the season ahead of the first international break of the new campaign.

"It means a lot," said the Frenchman. “Winning is the main thing for us. We played well and it was only a matter of time. I'm happy with the win and the goal and hope we can build on it.

"We have very good players in midfield and on the wings. They make the difference. I have to be there to finish.

"I'm just happy for the team. It's coming. We had a great week of training and we deserved it.

"I wouldn't say I feel under pressure [to score]. I know my job, I have to score. That's why they brought me in.

"I needed that goal because I didn't play much last month. I wasn't playing for Brighton towards the end. It was only my second game of the season. I needed that goal. I'm here to help you. I trust my teammates to put me in the right position to score."

Midfielder Alex Iwobi has been superb since Lampard took charge in January.

The Nigerian playmaker played a pivotal role under the former Chelsea manager and says Lampard allows him to play expressively.

"We played very well," said Iwobi. “The performances were good, it was just about getting the result. It's good to get a win before the international break.

"I didn't get off to a good start [at Everton]. I always have the mindset to prove people wrong. The manager allows me to speak out.”