Frank Lampard receives what Rafa Benitez never got from Everton fans as Farhad Moshiri given clear message

Frank Lampard made the perfect start as Everton manager as he engineered a 4-1 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round.
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The chants started sporadically from the Gwladys Street End.

Slowly but surely, fans in the same stand started to join in.

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There seemingly was some hesitation from a few at first. After all, it was only 65 minutes into Frank Lampard's first game in charge. It's still early days.

However, "Super Frank Lampard" soon made its way from all four of the Goodison Park stands. The supporters had seen enough. They’d made their judgement.

Everton were 3-1 up against Brentford, in cruise control and were watching a performance that had gusto and pizzazz in abundance. It had been some time since they’d witnessed such a display. In truth, probably the best part of a year.

And when the new Everton manager's name was sung in stoppage-time after Andros Towsend added a fourth to put the gloss on the victory, the noise was vociferous. Everyone inside the stadium joined in to bellow out Lampard’s name.

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At the full-time whistle, supporters and manager celebrated the triumph as one.

Everton fans celebrate their side’s victory with Frank Lampard. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesEverton fans celebrate their side’s victory with Frank Lampard. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Everton fans celebrate their side’s victory with Frank Lampard. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

For the Goodison Park board watching on, this was the almighty thumbs up that Evertonians unanimously agree with the latest managerial appointment.

Mistakes have been made in the past by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri. Errors have caused friction among the fan base and led to protests.

Arguably none more so than Lampard's predecessor Rafa Benitez. It wasn't his ties with Liverpool that fans were unhappy after his appointment in the summer. That was towards the back of the list.

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It was the Spaniard's pragmatic, reactive approach that's largely unpalatable in the modern game.

Fans wanted a fresh, forward-thinking manager on an upward curve who can deliver entertainment.

It might be six months too late but Evertonians have now finally got what they've been yearning for in Lampard.

During his brief spell in charge, it's hard to think of a time Benitez's name was chanted. Certainly, if it did ever happen, you could count on one hand.

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When the former Real Madrid supremo was given his marching orders last month following a woeful run of one victory in 13 Premier League games, no-one complained.

The axe needed wielding otherwise a potential relegation battle was on the horizon after the Blues plummeted to 16th.

Lampard was only appointed new boss on Monday yet displayed after just 90 minutes that he will be the antithesis of Benitez on Merseyside.

Everton celebrate Andros Townsend’s fourth goal in their defeat of Brentford. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesEverton celebrate Andros Townsend’s fourth goal in their defeat of Brentford. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Everton celebrate Andros Townsend’s fourth goal in their defeat of Brentford. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

In his maiden game in charge, Everton had intensity, pinnache and bravery.

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There was the willingness to play through the thirds, the boldness to take an extra touch. What was stark from after kick-off was how every player came looking for the ball and how much more comfortable in possession they were.

Granted, there were a couple of mishaps but that will always happen.

The jovial atmosphere around Goodison before kick-off was palpable.

After a swashbuckling 4-1 win over Premier League rivals Brentford, ensuring Everton are into the FA Cup fifth round, celebrations went on long until the night.

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Spirits were sky-high - underlined by “Spirit of the Blues” being bellowed. Not since Carlo Ancelotti’s days has that been loudly heard.

Of course, there are going to be hiccups. Fans aren't that naive. There’s plenty of work to be done, especially in the top flight.

But less than one game in, Lampard evidently has something Benitez scarcely had - the full backing of supporters.

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