Small moments making all the difference for Gordon
Another game, another solid display from Anthony Gordon.
Not for the first time this season the Blues youngster once again impressed with a performance full of passion, commitment and quality.
Much was made about Rafa Benitez’s six-and-a-half-month tenure, but one of the plusses of his spell in charge of the Blues was the game-time given to Gordon.
The winger has blossomed since first being given a proper run in the first team by Benitez and is now arguably one of the first names on the Blues' team sheet.
Goodison Park has not provided fertile ground for the growth of young players in recent years as the merry-go-round of managers and the shifts in styles has often had huge implications on their prospects.
But Gordon is fast becoming the exception. Another fine display here was greeted by a standing ovation when he was withdrawn from the action midway through the second half.
But before that, the youngster’s hard work was rewarded when he initially dispossessed Christian Norgaard.
The England under-21 international then pulled the ball back to Demarai Gray, who saw an effort blocked by Kristoffer Ajer, but from the resulting corner, Mason Holgate eventually headed the ball home to restore his side’s two-goal cushion.
But, make no mistake about it, the goal would not have been possible had it not been for the hard work of Gordon.
Those small moments can often make all the difference, and the task for Gordon now is to produce even more of them.
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Phil Kirkbride: What Everton fans did speaks volumes as Frank Lampard left wanting more
Gray again showing to be great bargain deal
Much has been made about Everton’s transfer dealings over the last couple of years, but for once Blues supporters leaving Goodison Park after the win over Brentford will have been talking about one of them for all the right reasons.
Not for the first time this season Gray was the star of the show for Everton as he continued to show why he was one, if not the, signing of the summer window last year.
Right from the start of this match it was clear that the winger wanted to have an impact. He was one of Everton's brightest players both in and out of possession in trying to do just that.
His work defensively was something that a few had some reservations over when he first made the move to Goodison, but generally you have to say he's defying that expectation.
He may not have managed to get his name on the scoresheet, but that can’t take anything away from another fine display from the winger.
The standing ovation he received from Blues supporters when he was taken off in the closing stages spoke volumes about just how much he is appreciated by the Goodison faithful.
And with a new forward-thinking manager at the helm, the scary prospect for those set to face the Blues is that there is still possibly even more to come from the former Leicester City man.
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Goodison Park can return to its fortress best
It started before the game, continued during it, and then carried on well after the final whistle had been blown.
Frank Lampard was always going to get a good reception from Blues supporters - as even Benitez was greeted with a warm applause ahead of his first Premier League game in charge of the club back in August.
But this felt very different. This felt like Evertonians in attendance finally felt like they had a manager they can get behind moving forward.
The 3-4-3 set-up when in possession and the want to get the ball down and play certainly helped things - as it was much different to what Everton supporters have come to expect
But the moment that summed up the whole day was the reaction of Lampard to the Goodison crowd when the full-time whistle was blown.
The Blues boss simply raised his hand and punched the air in delight. It was a simple act, but one that was more than appreciated by Blues supporters.
After a couple of airings during the game, 'Super Frank, Super Frankie Lampard' was again being sung by Everton supporters.
And just like that, for the first time in a long time, Goodison Park was back to its best.
More of the same from Lampard and his players in the coming weeks and months and Goodison will no doubt return to its fortress best
Godfrey injury sours near-perfect day
It was almost the perfect afternoon for Lampard, but one image after the game will have perhaps soured the occasion.
The sight of Ben Godfrey departing Goodison Park on crutches will have hurt not just Lampard and his players, but also Everton's supporters.
Godfrey was exceptional for the Blues before he limped off with a hamstring injury after just 14 minutes, and had already set-up a chance for Richarlison after bursting forward from well inside his own half.
Yerry Mina was brought on to replace Godfrey, and he also enjoyed a faultless afternoon, and even managed to get his name on the scoresheet.
But with new boss Lampard seemingly wanting to play three-at-the-back, there is no doubt that Godfrey’s pace will be missed.
The hope for Lampard, and everyone connected to the club, is that the Blues defender won’t be out for too long.
But the early signs certainly aren't great.
