It is a dangerous game reading into first impressions under any Everton manager, particularly one thrown into a fight for Premier League survival, but Goodison Park was a place transformed under Frank Lampard. The new Everton manager enjoyed a dream start and the biggest win of any managerial debut in the club’s history as Brentford were brushed aside in the FA Cup fourth round.
The first chants of “Super Frank, super Frankie Lampard” reverberated around the old stadium in the 65th minute, shortly after Mason Holgate had restored Everton’s two-goal lead against Thomas Frank’s team. Yerry Mina, Richarlison and Andros Townsend were also on the scoresheet in a performance of intensity, character and enterprise that had Goodison embracing Lampard and his intentions long before the final whistle. Brentford only fleetingly threatened to upset the script and were ultimately overrun.
