Lampard starts Everton reign with an FA Cup victory over Brentford
Key takeaways:
- Brentford loses to Everton in the FA cup.
- Everton's new boss Frank Lampard made the ideal beginning as Brentford was well defeated in the FA Cup fourth round at Goodison Park.
Everton beat Brentford with a three-goal lead:
Lampard, who followed the disfavored Rafael Benitez on Monday, was afforded a delighted welcome ere kick-off, and Everton made it a winning start with a compelling and assured performance.
Everton showed after 31 minutes - the first time they have gone on in a match since 23 October - when replacing Yerry Mina, on for the injured Ben Godfrey, powered home Demarai Gray's corner.
The perfect Richarlison doubled Everton's benefit three minutes after halftime when he lofted Allan's inviting pass over the onrushing Brentford goalie David Raya.
After being brought down by Jordan Pickford, Ivan Toney fast drew one back for the Bees from the penalty area. Still, Everton replied to kill off any expectancies of a comeback.
Mina's existence was again a decisive factor as another Gray corner came at the far post for Mason Holgate to score simply after the hour.
Andros Townsend hit home the fourth in stoppage time to provide Lampard the win he would have been hopeless to secure.
Goodison a comfortable home again
Lampard's coming has been warmly embraced by Everton fans who have been venting their again against the club's order in recent weeks, producing a sit-in after the previous home match against Aston Villa and having further protest marches.
Everton's instant advance also allowed the mood, completing this satisfying victory looking much more organized and assured than in the current toxic weeks.
Benitez will not occur with much credit from his short reign, but Everton's fans should be thankful he brought the expert Demarai Gray to the team for a deal of £1.5m. He was flawless again here, but he was not alone.