Frank Lampard raised the curtain to his Everton managerial reign with pizzazz as his side strutted to a 4-1 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Chelsea legend was appointed new Toffees chief on Monday, which lifted spirits among supporters markedly.
Advertisement
Advertisement
And they left Goodison Park in jovial spirits, with Everton in the hat for the next round of the famous competition.
Lampard named a fairly strong side despite being without deadline day signings Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli - who were both cup-tied alongside Anwar El Ghazi.
Everton started the game with intensity and got their reward in the 30th minute when Yerry Mina - who replaced the injured Ben Godfrey - powered home a header from Demarai Gray’s corner.
Advertisement
Advertisement


The Toffees doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half through a composed Richarlison finish.
However, Brentford reduced the arrears in the 54th minute. Ivan Toney slotted home a penalty after he was adjudged to have been fouled by home keeper Jordan Pickford.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But Everton soon restored their two-goal advantage from another corner. Mina won the first ball and Mason Holgate reacted first to tuck home from close range.
In stoppage-time, Andros Townsend put the gloss on a scintillating performance when he arrowed a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The heroes
Advertisement
Advertisement
- Frank Lampard: the new manager had been saying all the right things in the build-up to kick-off. The proof was going to be in the pudding on match day, though. And Lampard certainly delivered a performance that had gusto, vigour and panache that supporters have been craving. There are exciting times ahead.
- Richarlison: the Brazilian was at his very best after somewhat of a stuttering season so far. Led the line with the sort of energy required and never let Brentford rest. Richarlison finished his goal superbly and grew with confidence. An all-action man-of-the-match display.
- Yerry Mina: showed just what a threat he is from set-pieces. Mina’s opening goal was the paragon of a bullet header. He then rose again with authority to win the ball that gifted Holgate his goal.


Advertisement
Advertisement
The villains
- David Raya: the Brentford keeper should have held Andre Gomes’ long-range effort that won Everton a corner leading to the opening goal. Then he was caught in no-man’s land which made Richarlison’s finish easier than it could have been.
- Pontus Jannson: the visiting captain struggled to shackle Richarlison all game. The Brazilian ran riot and Jannson probably should have been booked in the first half for a foul during an aerial duel.
Player ratings
Advertisement
Advertisement
Everton: Pickford 6, Coleman 7, Holgate 8, Keane 7, Godfrey 6 (Mina 14; 7), Mykolenko 7 (Kenny 73; 6), Allan 7, Gomez 7, Gordon 7 (Townsend 73; 7), Richarlison 8 (Tosun 88), Gray 8 (Iwobi 88) .
Brentford: Raya 4, Ajer 5, Jansson 4, Sorensen 5, Roerslev 5 (Dasilva 72; 5), Janelt 5, Norgaard 5, Jensen , Henry 5, Canos 5 (Ghoddos 72; 5), Toney 7.
What’s Everton’s next fixture?
The Toffees turn their attention back to the Premier League on Tuesday evening.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Lampard will take charge of his first top-flight game as Everton make the trip to Newcastle United (19.45).