Frank Lampard would probably say dancing on the directors' box overlooking a packed Goodison Park pitch after Everton secured their Premier League safety against Crystal Palace was the pinnacle of his short Everton tenure so far.
But the most satisfying moment of his time as a Blue? It may well have have come two-and-a-half weeks earlier.
On May 1, the Toffees were five points adrift of safety as they geared up for a home clash with Chelsea. The previous day, they'd watched Burnley smuggle three points away from Watford having trailed for long spells.
READ MORE: Dele Alli makes Everton 'fight' promise and opens up on Minnesota miss
READ MORE: Ashley Cole special role, Duncan Ferguson change and inside story of new-look Everton
While that result was a gut punch to plenty, what transpired after was a day full of remarkable segments - the pre-game atmosphere, Richarlison's goal, any number of saves from Jordan Pickford and a desperate supporter putting the ball up his jumper in an attempt to wind down those seven minutes of added time. And, of course, the visceral roar of Goodison when the full time whistle blew and the Blues rediscovered their Premier League pulse.
But between those magical and maddening moments and behind the royal blue hue that lingered around the Old Lady that day, Lampard hatched a tactical plan that paved the way for the end of a season in which Everton ultimately accomplished their altered ambition.
The former Chelsea manager shifted the setup from 4-3-3 to 5-4-1 against the then European champions, with Alex Iwobi shuffled out to right wing-back for the first time in the campaign and Seamus Coleman pushed inside to make up a three-man defence.
To beat Thomas Tuchel, the man who replaced him as Chelsea boss, would have felt good for Lampard. But to beat his Stamford Bridge successor using the formation upon which the German delivered Champions League glory for the London club in 2020? Delicious.
In that win, in terms of outfield players it was arguably Iwobi who shone brightest. Tasked with dealing with the twin threat of Mason Mount and Marcos Alonso on the Chelsea left, the Nigerian thrust forward and thwarted on the retreat. So well he played, he remained in that role for the rest of the season.
Indeed, since that May day, while Everton have tinkered with various different formations in pre-season, they have largely operated with a back three. Based on what Lampard saw from his side with a four-man defence in the 4-0 loss to Minnesota United - not to mention his damning words after - it would be a shock to see the three centre-backs ditched at the start of a new Premier League term.
It's a formation that leaves some supporters uneasy, although few would argue with the notion that it suits the current personnel. They system also does present Lampard with a positive dilemma of sorts to ponder too, even for a squad that all Evertonians will accept is in need of significant reinforcement.
On Sunday at Blackpool, Nathan Patterson started as the right wing-back and chipped in with a couple of assists from fine crosses. He was purposeful, energetic and defensively aware, albeit against second-tier opposition.
In a season where Evertonians are likely to head back to Goodison Park and see almost exclusively familiar faces, Patterson represents something new and shiny. A player who can bring freshness and promise. Someone who will get the overwhelming benefit of the doubt. Someone who this correspondent discovered that fans are clearly keen to see more of, with 90 per cent of fans opting for the Scot at right wing-back to start the season.
But perhaps Patterson is not someone who will be guaranteed a starting place from the off.
Of course, it will be Chelsea visiting on Week 1, with a revamped attack likely to be led on the left by summer signing Raheem Sterling.
If Everton are to play a back five as expected, with Coleman injured it leaves Patterson and Iwobi as the only two real contenders to line up on the right. Lampard finds himself in a curious situation, where the safer choice might be to play the attacking midfielder and the bolder choice may be to play the defender.
On Day 1, it would be a surprise if Lampard did opt for Patterson, who has shown in his brief outings in royal blue that there are green aspects to what is a heartening skill set. But beyond that, with fixtures against Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Leeds to come before the window closes, it feels like there will be chances for the Scotland international to make a serious case.
If Patterson seizes it, then Iwobi will need to find a new home in the team to the one he occupied with such vigour in the final throes of last season.
Under Lampard, he earned a reputation of being Everton's man for every occasion and every position. Should Patterson deliver on his potential, Iwobi may have assume that role again and his manager may need to hatch a new tactical plan to tap into the vibrant talents of the rejuvenated Nigerian.
READ NEXT:
- Frank Lampard gives Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray Everton injury update
- Tom Davies makes Frank Lampard 'trust' claim and explains his behind scenes role at Everton
- What happened outside Goodison Park as Everton supporters stage protest
- Abdoulaye Doucoure gives honest opinion on Everton season and offers Lampard tactics insight
- Anthony Gordon opens up on ambitions, what's left him feeling 'old' and Minnesota defeat
