Frank Lampard chose to play four at the back against Liverpool because he believed a riskier gamble would have been to play an extra defender.
In a clear sign of how much his faith has grown in his Everton squad, the Blues boss stuck with a back four after the formation showed signs of promise at Leeds United in midweek. Last season, Everton played with three centre backs and allowed Liverpool to dominate possession in the Anfield Merseyside derby in April.
Lampard felt he had no choice as his injury-hit side fought for points during a desperate relegation battle. Over the summer he sought to move to a back four but was given a warning when his defence was repeatedly exposed in the 4-0 friendly defeat to Minnesota United. It appeared he would have to ditch plans to play with two centre backs but growing faith in his squad following the end of the transfer window saw him return to a back four on Tuesday and then retain that approach against one of world football's most ruthless attacks.
