Danny Murphy has hailed the intensity of Everton’s performance during their 3-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday.
The Toffees were 2-0 up inside the opening 23 minutes thanks to goals from Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane before Anthony Gordon added a third late on to seal a crucial three points.
The win was Frank Lampard’s first in the Premier League since taking the reins at Goodison Park and was the perfect response to the 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United in midweek.
Lampard took charge of his first game against Brentford in the FA Cup one week earlier, guiding Everton to the fifth round of competition with an emphatic 4-1 win.
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Murphy claimed that whilst the vigour of their cup win was missing against the Magpies, it was undoubtedly back against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
“It was there in the cup game, it wasn’t there against Newcastle, it was a lacklustre performance," the former Liverpool midfielder said during his analysis of the Blues’ victory on Match Of The Day.
“He went out with a 4-4-2, but this is what Frank Lampard is going to do, especially at home with Everton.
“They’re going to get the fans behind them by pressing high and getting men forward.
“They blew Leeds away in the first half.”
Murphy also praised the atmosphere at Goodison Park, which became toxic under former boss Rafael Benitez, and commended Donny van de Beek's display, after the Dutchman made his home debut for the club.
*RATE THE EVERTON PLAYERS FOR THE WIN OVER LEEDS:
He added: “I haven’t heard Goodison like that for a long time, everybody in unison singing his [Lampard’s] name.
“I have to say Van de Beek was tremendous, sat in the middle with Allan, kept things simple, kept things ticking.”
The win moved Everton five points clear of the relegation places and Norwich City, who have played two games more.
Next up for Lampard's side is a trip to Southampton on Saturday, February 19.
