Three centre backs and two wing backs, or a flat back four with Godfrey deployed to reinforce midfield to make a 4-3-3?

No Academy kids on the bench, other than Branthwaite, who is more fringe 1st team.

Pickford
Holgate Keane Godfrey
Coleman Allan Gomes Mykolenko
Gray Richarlison Gordon

Any idea where to watch the game? Can't find online? ESPN+??

Hopefully the new manager bounce gets us there but that's not a great starting selection.

Maybe Holgate or Godfrey deployed in midfield to make it 4-3-3.

A shame that neither Dobbin, nor Onyango make the squad. 2 right backs on the bench, and Coleman starting, also a bit of a surprise.

1st game, so guess Coleman playing, as is captain, is to be expected, but his form is woeful.

Anyway...On to a new era, COYB!

I feel they could stand that way
COYB!

Sack your informant, Dave... hahaha!

But hopefully proven wrong...

I think it could be quite attack-minded, but will depend a lot on how the players perform. If history shows us anything, these players are prone to shitting themselves frequently.

Pickford
Holgate Keane Godfrey
Coleman and Mykolenko wingbacks.
3 up top

Would have liked to see Patterson in place of Coleman.

The formation and how and where players are deployed could be telling.

If Benitez had selected that XI, he would have got belters from the fans. But we got to hope that Lampard and his assistants have done their homework and really want to win this game. COYB!

Sensible approach would be Holgate in the middle. Let's see.

Free hit for Lampard anyway.

We need aggression in the centre of midfield, winning the ball and keeping it simple. Maybe Frank has seen enough to be confident that he can do a job there, or taken advice from Duncan about the possibility.

Not gonna be on in the States, will need to follow on there (yikes)

I got the exact same thing. Richarlison up top, then Gray, Gordon, and Mykolenko the three attackers behind Richarlison.

I'd actually love to see that.

Disappointed with the Coleman bashing; he doesn't deserve it.

I can understand why Frank has picked that team given the dearth of options available, let's hope he gets a tune out of them and gets the fans singing.

It IS on ESPN+. The stream starts at 9:50 a.m. Sign up for Disney+ and you'll get Disney, ESPN, Hulu, and whomever else the fucking Mouse has bought out.

Americans can watch live via streaming on ESPN+.

I think El Ghazi is cup-tied.

Onyango hasn't really shown much in the games I have seen him appear. Tosun, for all his faults and attitude, has scored goals at this level where Dobbin hasn't yet.

As for midfield, can Godfrey or Holgate play more defensive midfield? It's not like we have many more until the cup-tied trio can play. Coleman was always gonna get the nod to lead the team out at the start, being club captain. With Patterson and Kenny on the bench, he may not finish the game.

Once we can play a stronger midfield I would expect to see some youngsters blooded. However, Brentford are going to be up for this and Newcastle will be battling for points with Wood and Shelvey dishing out the dark arts.

No dwelling or endless passing across the back.

Gomes pulling the strings in the middle having a great game. Who needs pace when you've got footballing nous?

Still a bit to do though.

Brentford's best chance came from him falling asleep after watching them play a few simple passes. I'd rather see if Gbamin has anything to offer.

Gordon and Gray the sparks with Richarlison giving it everything ahead of them.

Everything else a bit underwhelming. Our new boy, Mykolenko, still looks very uncomfortable. Issues with heading, crossing and throw-ins still persist. I'm not sure that I'm watching a realistic proposition at full-back.

Frank's playing style pretty evident. We're going to try to play some football. Tough on a windy day with limited personnel.

Only in the last 5 minutes of the half did Brentford get close to our penalty area. Before that, they barely entered our half.

Much more football being played on the ground and through the lines. Not always working, but the ambition to play that way is clearly there which hasn't been the case for months.

Very novel to see Everton take the lead in a game and score in the first half. Worrying to see Godfrey pull up and go off as he did. Nice to see Mykolenko having a decent game.

With what Frank can bring in on Tuesday, he has got something to work with for the rest of the season.

I was surprised at Gomes having a shot as, apart from a couple of threaded passes that didn't come off, he seemed to pass everything else backwards.

Everton seemed to have several promising breaks which seemed to break down at the last pass or players wanting to have a go themselves but I wasn't sure if that wasn't because they lost other players and then the goal from a corner that everyone bar Mina seemed to just want it to go straight across the goal area.

At the other end, there was a fair bit of fannying around, Coleman's back-pass almost gifting a goal and Keane I think being run back rather than holding the line.

Just hope Frank gets them to look for each other more often and gets Gomes passing forward.

Does someone know if the cup-tied trio can play at some stage of the competition, should we go through?

I would like to see Patterson at some stage today.
COYB!

Haven't seen him do much wrong yet. A lot of the forward play is going through him and he's moving the ball quickly. Even won a decent tackle with them in a dangerous attack.

Nobody had a bad game. Enjoy the win, lads. It's been a while.

We are not going down and these are not shite players.

We're on our way to Wembley and like a team that's going to win the FA Cup, we shall not be moved.

You do wonder how much damage Rafa did to this squad's confidence. He basically told them they were too shit to play possession football. Frank obviously told them different, and each player looked 25% better than they have for the past few months.

Anthony Gordon is going to be hard to drop, he really suits a pressing game.

Not getting carried away but this week has rejuvened the fans as well as the team – long may it continue.

Re Gomes. Think he also played well but still gives the ball away when he try's to force something. Think he'll be the one Donny replaces.

Allan was immense today. Not sure where Dele Alli is gonna fit in. He might replace Van de Beek, who I think will start.

Better pressing, fluid midfield, better defending and way better final-third play.

At last, an Everton side trying to play good football.

Our third seemed almost a copy of the first, nobody seeming too interested in getting to it and just when you think it is all over we get a fourth.

I was surprised at five subs, is this the maximum for FA Cup?

Not get carried away, Brentford were poor and a 'new manager bounce' is always expected. But very encouraging.

Gordon, Gomes, and Richarlison were all excellent. The movement and interchanging of Gordon and Gray just behind Richarlison very nice to see. Gomes was aggressive and incisive. Richarlison looked confident and determined.

5-2-2-1 is how I'd describe the formation; interesting to see if this continues. I guess this is because we don't have the personnel to play 4-3-3. with the midfield being a weak point, Frank chose to fill in the central defence and it worked well.

Gordon must be buzzing, and Lampard probably looks at him and thinks of his young self, or Mason Mount when he was at Chelsea.

Great start and I'm excited for Tuesday.

Only negative was I thought it was a perfect game to bring on Patterson for Coleman in the second half. Looks like we will be without Godfrey for an extended period which leaves us exposed at left-back if anything happens to Mykolenko.

All round, a much better performance.

I thought Gomes was central to a lot of what we did today, he held the centre together and did more than anyone else (with Allan just behind) to link defence and attack. He occasionally was guilty of his usual trick of getting lost on the wrong side (like when he get booked), but in general he did a good job of getting, keeping and recycling possession. I suspect Lampard will be very pleased with his contribution. He even managed a couple of goal attempts – something of a novelty!

More generally, there was much to be pleased about, albeit Brentford were pretty poor opposition. But given the resources at our disposal, we looked a lot better than we have for ages. More composed, more in control, less easily brushed off the ball or panicked into giving up possession. It's gotta be good.

Big kudos to Yerry though. Toney was trying to get at him and Yerry loves it! Toney really got to me though! And I reckon he would be a good signing on that basis.

A right narky little bastard who just kept going and turning up all over the place. Him and Calvert-Lewin as striker choices would do me...

Gomes Man of the Match. His decision-making is so much better.

The young left back still looks a bit hesitant at times, but he was a bit more comfortable in his game today. I haven't written him off either.

Brentford were weak opposition, but guess what? They were weak opposition the last time we played them and we lost 1-0.

While I've never thought a demonstrative manager was a necessity, seeing Lampard's passion on the sidelines was refreshing. Carlo, for better or for worse, was always a cool customer, while Benitez had all the presence of a damp dishtowel.

Against Newcastle on Tuesday should not be an expection, the Premier League is what really matters to me. You can't win an FA Cup and be relegated the same season – that should never happen.

COYB, relish this victory and top it up on Tuesday night.

During training, Lampard must've also got them to remove the lead from their boots because they all seemed a lot more mobile, particularly Gomes.

We have had utter shit thrown at us by the lamentable custodians of our club, Benitez being possibly the worst decision every made in the history of the Premier League. (Shit... I forgot Martinez. My God, we might have had that charlatan back.)

Anyway, onward and upward. Good to be a Blue tonight. New dawn.

Definitely an improvement on previous performances, we moved the ball a lot quicker, more pressing, players making runs giving others options.

I was surprised he took Mykolenko off as I thought he was solid and gave us balance, maybe saved for Tuesday with no other left-back options, he needs the minutes though.

Good solid start and let's keep it going in what's arguably a more important game on Tuesday. But everyone loves a cup run, 2 games from Wembley!

Credit to Gomes and Holgate cause, like many others on here, I've been on their case for months.

Tuesday will be far too diferent from today. Newcastle didn't play today and that will count. Play El Ghazi, Van de Beek, Townsend and Richarlison and save Gordon, Alli and Gray for the second half. That should be enough. If they are all hungry, which looks likely.
COYB!

The front three all played well, working hard and showing pace, skill and enterprise on the ball. Having Mina in the team for set-pieces gives us something extra. Two goals from corners is a rare thing for us.

The defensive play is still a concern. If we can tighten up at the back, we should have enough goals to stay out of the relegation pack.

UTFT!!!!!

Great afternoon today. Saturday evening (metaphorically) hasn't felt like this in ages – and a real good team spirit shown as well.

If we could sell Rondon at the end of the season, then Tosun might be worth retaining on a reduced salary, short-term contract. He seems to like living in England.

With our new players coming in for Tuesday, we should be okay for the rest of the season. Well done, Frank.

Any news on Godfrey.

Cheating the fans, manager and club was his conclusion – something that will be tested when Frank has to ruffle a few feathers.

Take today with a pinch of salt, Frank, this crew have previous.

To those I would say Gomes ran the game, there is still a player in there and personally I hope we retain him on a smaller and much cheaper contract. I have been one of the few who still rate him on here. I would look to move on Davies in the summer. Allan had a good game too and the pair worked well together in the middle.

I would have loved to have seen a bit of Patterson, Mykolenko did okay and would have taken some positives from those minutes. Love Mina, fantastic header and he was involved in the 3rd as well. Pickford was a bit flappy today but I think the windy conditions didn't help.

I am one happy blue tonight, if we beat Newcastle on Tuesday I will be on Cloud Nine. They've upped their game so it will be tough. COYB.

I thought Gomes was immense today, having players attacking and defending as a unit, and playing from the front foot, a joy to watch.

Frank, like Dunc, plays with his heart on his sleeve, a joy to see a manager fist pumping and smiling on the line,instead of a glum expression on his face.

Gomes had a great game and played the full 90 minutes which is so rare. And that in spite of picking up a yellow in the 1st half an hour of the game. Well done to him, but obviously the upcoming Premier League games will be a different kettle of fish.

Holgate looked very comfortable and he had an excellent game. Again, with the same caveat as above.

Pickford did not look right today, always seemed to be complaining to his team mates.

Richarlison and Gordon had excellent games.

Gray is a selfish player. He does not get his head up and see if any of his teammates are in a better position. If he can develop that part of his game, he can be as deadly as Mane or some of the other top players.

Strange that Kenny played as left-wingback when he came on. I wish Patterson was given a run out.

Mykolenko was quite decent – you can see that his confidence is improving.

Good to be in the competition, but now the Newcastle game is going to be crucial. Lampard will be faced with some interesting team selection challenges. I don't think he will start with Donny van de Beek or Dele Alli. My guess is: the same back 3 that finished, Kenny in for Coleman, Allan and Gomes in the middle and the same front 3. He may sub Gomes for Van de Beek and Alli for Gordon. Maybe El Ghazi or Townsend late in the game, depends on the game situation.

If Rafa had played that team; we'd have been beaten by 2 and been lucky to have 45% possession. Under Super “enjoy the ball” Frank Lampard, they all looked different players. Even Tosun did his bit off the bench.

The warm up was different, the atmosphere was different, the players were different. Gomes and Allan aren't giving up the placed easily, and who the hell does he drop for the new lads.

Here's my promise… 10 games. Not a moan, not a whine, nothing but full support. Play Kenny at Left back, bring Iwobi on, Bring Tosun on. I don't care. Frank and his team of coaches have my full support. Come on, you fucking Blues!!

I think we got Rondon for nothing.

The moment of the match for me was just after half-time, the ball played into Allan a great instant turn and a chip over the last defender into the path of an excellent timed run from Richarlison. A great finish to do justice to that pass.

Gomes played well, apart from the assist Allan was a bit errant with his passing; hopefully he will address that for Newcastle. Gray, Gordon and Richarlison were always looking to test the Brentford defence. I thought all played well.

Mina had an efficient game after coming on as sub, a great unstoppable header for the goal. Holgate is quietly rebuilding his form; hopefully that continues. He will be important now Godfrey is out. Mykolenko had a better game, he seems to be settling in a bit.

The confidence is priceless going into the Newcastle game, we are in a good position to build on this performance. With Calvert-Lewin to come back, Van de Beek and Alli wanting to perform, Newcastle will be worrying about us. Should be a great game, I'm looking forward to it.

This is a manager we can support, get behind and trust. The future is suddenly brighter.

I have said many times, Tosun has never been given an extended run, seems to get bit-part games then not used again for a few weeks, I just wish Tosun would have got those run of games, instead of an unfit Rondon.

Overall, a very satisfying performance.

Only one game, but it was so much better, and although we will get caught out from time to time, especially with the ball over the top, we will hopefully also become a much better and much more fluent football team. Holgate set the benchmark for me, because he looked so much better for most of the game, simply because his concentration levels, suddenly improved massively.

I criticize Michael Keane on a regular basis, but he started the move of the match, with one of those simple straight forward passes, showing the difference in a footballer, when he can stay composed!

The difference in the way Everton tried to play football today was massive, it even felt like we might have suddenly found a little bit of identity, maybe? But Barry R, is correct, a sensible voice of reason, although it was nice to finally be entertained by an Everton team once again.

The only time Brentford looked dangerous was from our sloppy passing backwards! I thought Gomes was guilty of this a fair bit in the first half but he did have a pretty good game.

Gray and Gordon have bags of potential and it's great when they occasionally link up.

Lots to be happy about. Let's build some momentum and beat the Barcodes!

I thought Lampard was note perfect, he is a proper fit for us.

Many good performances, but when he plays well Gomes is a delight to see. That late turn was superb. If only Lampard can keep this player's mind and self-esteem focused. Ditto Holgate.

A fabulous day.

Sure you can argue he’s very media savvy and has obviously had lots of media training but every time he opens his mouth I can’t help but be impressed.

A great start but a welcome confidence boots before we play the mags.

The storm clouds have gone and blue skies ahead.

Kenny looked sharp in his cameo.

Everyone starts again.

These are not negatives. That’s just how things are at the moment. It’ll take a while to really start to turn things around and we’ll undoubtedly be stronger with Calvert- Lewin, Doucoure, Van de Beek and Dele available.

With all that said, there is just something about Frank Lampard that gives me hope. His record at Derby and Chelsea is nothing to write home about but there’s something in the air right now. We’ve had so many false dawns over the years it feels dangerous to get excited but I’m feeling something I never felt when Koeman, Silva, Ancelotti and Benitez were appointed.

Have our board somehow fluked their way into finding the structure and person we’ve needed for so long? Time will tell.

Well done to every Blue who protested outside the ground. This result, this manager, this hope,is, in my opinion, down to you.

Just so pleased we have Frank here. Best times coming…

Thanks for today, boys, for how it's lifted us fans to how it must have lifted the players and the club in general

What a foolish, gloating post. Why do you have to turn a day of pleasure into a snide dig?

Hands up.

Andy #125,

Sam did an excellent job but snobbery over style of football and personality why he was shown the door by the fans. A further problem, Andy has been expectation over realism; this has probably prevented stability and moving forward. Hopefully Frank and his team bring their drive and enthusiasm to the players. The real hard work starts now!!

You see a different Gomes to all the posters on here, including me.

Additionally, every one of the media reporters that I have read today also noted that Gomes controlled the game. Even Jamie Carragher has noted that he is a class act. I wonder who is wrong?

Gomes has always had this in his locker. He just needs the right coach and set up to succeed.

One of many poor decisions by Moshiri, hopefully he has finally picked a winner in Lampard, but we'll see once the Premier League matches get going again.

That back four messing around passing to each other only to create chances for the opposition, they think they are better than they are although Holgate upped his game and did well, not even counting his goal. Gomes played a lot better than usual and still has that lazy casualness about him at times; can he play two good games on the run?

Nice to see all the happy faces walking home. Not used to this, I'd love it to become a habit!!

Jay (in Brazil), I think I only got two names wrong, nobody's perfect you know!!

Townsends goal and the move were pure quality and Damarai Gray is some player – thanks Benitez or Marcel,

Like someone said above everyone has a clean slate so I will do my best to limit my frustration with certain players and support Frank and the team. I watched him being interviewed as Chelsea manager and was struck by his confidence and belief in himself and the team. Mind you he got the bullet a few weeks later so sometimes that's not enough. Let's hope he get it right this time.

It is a day of pleasure, Tony, so hands up. I'll take that back. Looking forward to MotD more than ever.

I watched the game on Premier Sports 2 and it sounded like they had their microphones near the Brentford fans. Also sounded like their commentators were in a studio rather than at the game.

There were a few contenders for Player of the Match, but I would give it to Gordon for his raw enthusiasm alone. Gomes, Allan, Richarlison all did their bit too in a relatively comfortable afternoon, apart from the 10 minutes or so following the Brentford penalty.

There are stiffer tests ahead, but we are into the next round and that's all that matters for today. The team was far more disciplined in the way they went about the game than has been the case in many games this season, and there weren't huge holes for Brentford to exploit, whilst despite Everton's compactness, the number of chances created and taken was most enjoyable.

St James' Park on Tuesday will be no place for the faint-hearted, but if Everton can maintain their discipline and use the ball well, who knows – we may just come back with all of the points, but at this juncture I will settle for Everton bringing a point home, to maintain the current gap twixt us and the Magpies.

Does Frank have that required 'X-factor' that Everton needs, I believe that he does, but we'll find out for sure in the next few months.

The atmosphere after our second goal was very good.

Still lament the old "Cauldron" times. We may hear some of it again though...

Bigger test on Tuesday, Barcodes will be fired up but I'm looking forward to seeing Alli in a blue shirt!

It was quiet at times first half but it was an enjoyable game to watch. The moans and groans left along with the big dark cloud we had for 6 months and so expectation was in the air. The away end was about ⅓ full from what it should have been so the mics were probably down their side if they were all you heard.

Second half and that Goodison roar was back from all sides of the pitch and in full voice. One of the best atmospheres in quite some time (Arsenal game aside). Big smiles and hugs all around. Loads stayed behind to clap off Frankie and the lads.

Now to Tuesday...

Lampard was insightful in his post-match comments about how the crowd reacted to the players and the atmosphere gradually but emphatically grew in intensity.

I think it dawned on the fans that we were witnessing a serious new departure. After the game, everyone was full of happiness and I, for one, found it quite moving.

It was quite loud at the start, quiet within 15, loud once we scored the first, lots of applause at half-time. Then loud 3 minutes after the break (goal) and for the remainder of the game, apart from a 15-minute spell when Brentford got their goal.

Overall, a good atmosphere with plenty of "We Shall Not Be Moved" chants, "Super Frankie Lampard", and "We're on the march with Frankie's Army".

When are we gonna have the pleasure of your company at the game and the pish-up, mate?

Now he's been shifted back to row two. Twenty years from now, he'll be in Row Z with a gag on.

Of all the fancy additions in recent years, such as, player cam, Ultra HD etc, the one thing I would love to have is a button to mute the commentators and just have the crowd noise.

Gomes showed his strengths and weaknesses in one game but overall his vision and passing was first class.

Richarlison never let Brentford's defense rest for a minute and Antony Gordon showed why he is so loved.

I thought Pickford was very shaky but the wind may have had something to do with that... Let's hope he doesn't let the Geordies rattle him on Tuesday.

Defence still needs a lot of work but overall – what a difference in 5 days!

Brentford opted to take the full allocation of tickets permitted for an FA Cup tie, ie 15% of the capacity, so around 6,000 tickets were allocated to Brentford, though I heard they only took 4,500.

Anyway, Brentford returned some tickets, which went on sale for Everton fans in the Upper Bullens, but these tickets were for the section normally reserved for away fans anyway. The Lower Bullens and the Paddock areas normally reserved for away fans were totally empty, meaning the Brentford fans were directly underneath the tv gantrys, hence the reason why they probably sounded louder on the TV.

I doubt very much they had more than what the away section holds anyway, around 2,700, so why they asked for the full allocation permitted baffles me. I guess all the empty seats in the Lower Bullens and Paddock they will have had to pay for.

Anyway, overall, the atmosphere was pretty decent considering some of the performances we've had to put up with recently.

Lampard appears to have brought more enthusiasm and effort with the players seeming to enjoy playing in the style of play that he is working on bringing in.

It is early days yet as all teams play differently, but the threat of relegation has been lifted slightly; time will tell in the league games.

Today was a good performance and seemed to show the players the standard that they will have to keep up, and that will help if they have competition for their positions.

Shame that it such a short period until the next game; as poor as Newcastle have been, they are like Everton where the crowd can lift them.

Here's hoping we can get a decent cup draw for the next round.

Keep up the good work and maybe we can not only have a good weekend but can enjoy the rest of the week after Tuesday.

No commentary on Hesgoal today, great when it happens.

Last time out we barely had a sequence of more than 3-4 consecutive passes. The default tactic was to pass it back to Pickford to launch it forward. No calmness or boldness to play through the lines or attack down the flanks. The ball was not our friend and nobody 'enjoyed' possession of it. None of our big players stepped up.

Today was the inverse. Even short ball play-outs from the keeper returned. Retention of the ball was purposeful, not endless sideways passing along the backline until coughing up possession.

The balance of the formation was good. Three centre-backs split across the width of the park, with the two wingbacks well forward supporting both the midfield and attack, but falling back to defend as necessary. Brentford barely entered our half in the first 45 minutes as a result.

Time and again, both Allan and Gomes collected the ball from defence and looked to move the ball forward with purpose. The movement of players off the ball helped. It didn't always work, but quite clearly the intent was there to 'enjoy the ball'.

We were also much better from dead-ball plays at both ends of the pitch. When defending, it appeared to me that we consciously lined up across the line of the 6-yard box, vacating that area rather than back up and crowd Pickford's space. The 6-yard box became Pickford's to defend.

Our own delivery and positioning was so improved that – astonishingly – the Mina and Holgate goals are the first we've scored from corners this season, apparently.

Post-match Andros Townsend said that Paul Clement in particular has been working the team on such plays this week. A good sign that in just a few days that area seems vastly improved.

Goals and wins breed confidence. The manager. The team. The players. The fans. We all needed this today. A great pick-me-up before taking on the barcodes on Tuesday.

If we are to have a cup run, today's squad is going to have to be the one that achieves it. The league team can – and will be – improved by the players we brought in during the window.

Apparently the 4-1 win is the best ever by a new Everton manager in his first game. So well done, Frank Lampard and his coaching team.

Holgate has been slated this season for underperforming last season; he's been our most consistent defender and I hope he builds on this for the rest of the season.

Gomes did the simple things brilliantly today. He plays simple 10- to 15-yard passes that are either to feet, or weighted perfectly for the player running forward.

I thought Frank got it right with the position of the wingbacks today. Under benitez, they were defenders. Today, they supported the midfield so we weren't overrun in a true 3-4-3. When Gomes has that support around him, then he's a good player, as is Allan. When they're alienated as a midfield 2, they're poor.

Gordon is looking more and more like an absolute star. The amount of work he does puts everyone else to shame. We have some massive selection headaches when Calvert-Lewin is back and the cup-tied players are back.

Kevin #158, Holgate has been slated this season as well because he's been dogshit, not just last season. Today, he had his best game since... well, I don't recall him having a better game than today, and I watch a lot of games.

The Newcastle game will show whether we are on to something or if this was a flash in the pan.

I reckon the former but this set of players have done this before under Benitez, Duncan and Ancelotti.

If we press an Eddie Howe team like we did today, they will be in for a torrid match.

Been a long time coming where it's nice to see a manager being animated on the touchline and celebrating goals (aside from Dunc).

In the past, winning the cup was fantastic, because generally we were safe mid-table. At the moment, if we win our next two games, then I believe safety is probably obtainable, then it's all out for the cup, so let's hope for another home tie.

This is Frank Lampard's team, serial cup winner, COYB.

Anyone notice how much more we played the ball through the middle of the pitch? Numerous passes through the middle instead of out wide. I think it's part of Frank's style of play, and we looked much better.

I think we're turning a corner. Based upon today's display, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever this group should come close to relegation, or even be in a relegation scrap.

Roll on Tuesday.

Seriously, all considered it's a good start and there was more effort and grit shown by some fringe players, and the squad today, than for a long time.

Made up, and to do the business on Tyneside, next Tuesday.

Good spirit and belief today by Everton, do the same and smash the Barcodes. UTFT!

“What's Our Name?”

Spot on regarding Townsend's post-match comments, I thought Andros gave a good insight into some of the changes Lampard and Paul Clement have made.

A few of the things Townsend said for those who haven't seen them:

"We started on the front foot, the boys pressed well and worked really hard. Nine times out of 10, when you run your socks off and work hard, you get your reward. Today we got that.

"The manager has given us that belief.

"He's obviously looked at the stats and possession-wise this season we've not been good enough.

"We've been in the 30s and 40s, which, for a club the size of Everton, is nowhere near good enough.

"So, first and foremost, in training we've been working on keeping the ball, enjoying the ball.

"I thought it'd take a lot longer than a week but you saw out there today we were more comfortable on the ball and it felt like we had a lot more possession out there on the pitch.

"Clem [Paul Clement] has come in and taken charge of the set-pieces. We've worked this week on it and had a meeting this morning, so we tried to leave no stone unturned.

"We played with two wing-backs but, as a matter of fact, they were more like wingers.

"He wants to play up the pitch – exactly what the fans want, so, hopefully it's going to be a good match with the manager and the great fans we have here."

I wasn't big at all on signing Townsend, but he really has never downed tools, he's a team player, and he's a leader. He doesn't sulk, and he certainly gives his all and sees "bigger picture" situations and issues.

Teams need that kind of man in their squad.

Great post-match comments from him.

It's not rocket science, Frank.

Coleman was playing right-wingback, Townsend is a left-footed right-winger – how is that his position?

Would you have wanted Townsend defending?

Gordon was the right-sided forward!

Name the games this season that Holgate has been more dogshit than the other defenders. There won't be more than a couple.

Holgate, this season, has been slated because of a pre-conception based on his apparent arrogance last season. He's been far more consistent this season than either Keane or Godfrey, and, by way of not being injured half the time, than Mina too.

Can he work as well when we have less of the ball? I'm not sure,... Certainly his defensive work leaves something to be desired but good coaching can go a long way.

A great start to the Lampard era. Bigger and more meaningful tests to come.

Great post regarding Holgate and delighted for him scoring today and having a good game. Great to see us scoring 2 goals from corners and also nice to see the players enjoying playing football today.

Frank has a way of playing that the players will enjoy which is refreshing after the last manager. Moshiri and the board have made the right appointment.

Frank is some coach to get Michael Keane seeing a pass like that.

But yes, Frank seems to have them thinking anew.

This whole thing, this is set up like some beautiful harmonic convergence.

Frank, in his post-game presser, is just full of it!

Once Everton touches you…

There's some weird juju going on, and it's all good. Frank is being touched by Everton. He feels it.

I am already looking forward to the Newcastle game with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. They just added 2 giants to their team – Chris Wood and Lewis Dunk – and Dunk has already scored against us a few weeks ago.

Lampard should go with the same set of players more or less. Mina for Godfrey, of course, and I think he will play Kenny for Coleman. A bit worried that Allan and Gomes played the full 90 minutes, hope they recover in time for the Tuesday night clash.

Lampard has a selection dilemma if Calvert-Lewin is fit. It seems a bit unfair to drop Gordon after his recent displays. I am hoping that Lampard can turn him into our Mason Mount or maybe better. But I think he and Gray will be rotated with DCL and Alli long term. And perhaps Van de Beek will rotate with Gomes. It will be fascinating to see how the rest of the season pans out.

This is so true what you say.

But, sometimes in life there are these "religious experiences".

Frank is understanding this enigma of, "Once Everton touches you".

A man, whom I believe, is England's most talented managerial prospects for generations, is ours.

And he's understanding what it means to be Everton Blue.

And that, without question, is a beautiful harmonic convergence.

So tell Terry O'Reilly, Johnny Bucyk, Cam, and fuck it throw in Milan Lucic, I'd like to throw down with them over whether or not I can use the term "harmonic convergence" or not. I can. Because it is. So let's get ready to rumble, ya cunts.

Much better, although the benchmark wasn't high. There's me being negative cop for once!!

The midfield looked way more comfortable. It allowed Gomes to do what he does best and pull strings.

I still think the defence looked ropey. Lack of concentration from Keane for the penalty – got caught flat and became unaware of where the striker was. Although should Holgate have picked up? Communication? And what I assume was another breakdown in communication between Mina and Pickford that nearly cost us.

But let's not dwell on that, we'll just have to score 3 or 4 goals every week to compensate!

Anthony Gordon impressed me yet again. What I noted today was how good he is with both feet. That explains how and why he gets used on both sides.

Mina's goal was majestic – reminded me of how he impressed in the World Cup for Colombia before we signed him. And we seemed to be more willing to shoot early from range – a trait our new manager was an expert at. I wonder if he's worked on that. Even Gomes was at it!!!

Richarlison's goal was class; that pass from Allan was pinpoint and a nice simple early pass from Keane in the build-up. First time pass on the volley into the net. Made in Brazil. And Keane can be Brazilian for a day as he was part of that trio.

Amazing the difference a week can make. We were quicker, more willing to run into space. We played as a pack, we wanted the ball and were more comfortable on it. I've used the word early a bit in this post. That's key. We've done things early; front foot.

A mention for Iwobi. Yes, Iwobi. I repeat, Iwobi. What a cute and intelligent touch to set up Townsend for the 4th. Simple but effective.

Perfect start for the manager. Without getting carried away, it brought a feel-good factor that's not been around for months. And that is important. He has instantly bonded with the fans and he has our backing. Compare that to not being able to call the previous one by his first name or look at the dugout.

Roll on Tuesday. Yes, we're actually looking forward to Everton playing. Well, I always am, but you know what I mean.

It will be interesting to see what Frank does with the selection and the cup-tied players. It would seem harsh; however, he's been part of one of the most consistently successful European clubs in recent times to know a thing or two about rotation.

My final mention is probably one not many (if any) would pick up on. Great to see Jonjoe Kenny get on the pitch. And the joy of his celebration with Holgate after his goal. Befitting of any Everton supporter on this website.

I went to the game but never saw it, so was a bit gutted to be honest. I had been lucky enough to have been promised a Complimentary Ticket, well two actually, from someone connected at Everton.

When we went to the VIP Ticket Office to collect them – now hear this for pedantry – they would not hand them over because the name on the envelope was not collecting in person!!

I was doubly gutted as it had taken me a car and a train journey and a Soccerbus to get there. What really ground my gears is that the envelope remained there and another two empty seats went untaken.

We even heard Z-Cars, as we trudged away dejected making our way back to Lime Street. The irony being that I could have watched the game at home, through IPTV, but chose to go to get the atmosphere and to welcome and witness the new manager and new players too.

However, the result and performance as witnessed via Match of the Day not only bore out what I had missed, but augurs well for the rest of the campaign.

You could see players playing with renewed confidence, and enjoyment. I know it's only one game but I feel we are on the start of a new and long-awaited journey. Just a pity I missed it!

The squad is clearly still unbalanced but the manager has selection options for Tuesday and all the players looked full of running and willing to contribute.

Very early days but what a difference!

I think it all depends on who serves you at the ticket office and if they actually want to help. I am sure you asked about any available tickets to buy?

The difference was attitude. Players like Gomes and Holdgate had a focus even the likes of Tosun did well for his brief stint. Mykolenko looked more assured.

Roll on Tuesday, be interesting to see what formation he picks.

That obviously made a big difference.

Very glad to see Holgate, Gomes, Iwobi etc getting praise where praise is due. If we continue to praise these players for the rest of the season then Lampard will be doing a very good job.

Very glad indeed to see Gordon turning into such a gem of a footballer.

Obviously we have to carry that confidence with the ball into our league games now.

On that, I've always been a bit sceptical about Lampard. But I wonder if the appointment of experienced Clement is him acknowledging his own weaknesses and doing something about it.

Lampard can clearly motivate - so hopefully he's found a guy in Clement who can help us with set pieces, defensive shape etc etc along with the more progressive attacking / possession.

One game at a time. And hopefully DCL will be back fit soon.

Like you rightly say, some of these people are Jobsworth to the nth Degree. Why would someone turn up at the VIP Ticket Office and quote the name on the Envelope etc if it wasn't genuine ? Obviously not revealing who it was as it could get peoples' minds working overtime and in a nefarious way.

Anyway the result and performance via MotD proved to be good. We thought we were hard done by, which we were, but it pales into insignificance, when you learn shortly after, that the poor young boy who had been trapped in that well in Morocco for four days had lost his fight to stay alive. So, so sad !

I had hoped that Frank would go with the 3-4-3 and in the main it prevented Gomes and Allan from covering too much ground and leaving too many spaces. Andre's performance was one of the best midfield displays from a blue in a few years, though no doubt helped by the tirelessness of Grey in particular.

A big shout out to Allan who I was worried for under Frank along with Doucoure. Although he wasn't great on their goal and charged into no mans land on a couple of occasions (one forcing Gomes yellow), in the main I feel it was one of his most disciplined displays for us.

His pass for the second goal was nonchalant and sublime and in the first half he played one little ten yard forward ball into the front man which reminded me of those simple yet brilliant passes Roy Keane was a master at.

The slight concern going forward if he persists with that system is that I still don't think Coleman and Mykolenko are perfect for implementing it. He probably wishes he had Nkonkou at his disposal and was surprised at Kenny's omission. I would also worry about the midfield two against a more dynamic opponent as there were moments early on where we looked vulnerable.

Moreover I hope Frank will be a manager who won't just leave it as is based on this performance. I feel with Donny and Dele available and Coleman and Mykolenko looking better suited as full backs, 4-3-3 or a diamond 4-4-2 may be better equipped for the squad he has available for our league campaign.

I am sure one poster will have taken note of Towsends comments post match "we played with two wing backs, but as a matter of fact they were more like wingers", clearly outlining what Lampard requires from those roles.

After two years of being starved of enjoyment to see our players play with such intensity, freedom, happiness, bravery and even arrogance was a joy to behold. I know it's only one game but It feels great this morning being a blue as our pride, our ethos and our hope seems well and truly alive and kicking.

It was also noticeable that there was more engaging and confronting of opposition players all over the pitch, with Everton player's operating in packs to recover possession. Pass completion rate was high. Everton's attack was evenly spread between the wings and centre. Also breaking up and spoiling opposition play in midfield , with Everton player's looking to be first to the breaking ball was noticeable. Pickford was a bit excitable though. Hopefully he will calm down.

Definitely better coaching evident and the technical ability theshold has been lifted

IMO this change is the result of a traditional English football team, being asked to play traditional English Football. It was simply something that the players could understand and within their ability to implement. The Brentford Manager had the look of someone that was up against it after the first 5 minutes of the game. Whats more Lampard has additional players to alter tactics and play, if a opposition team is set up to particularly counter Everton system of play. Gomes won't get the time and space next game that he got against Brentford, and will be susceptible to pressure, but with the new midfield signings there are options to turn the tables on them tactically.

1 person in the park end ticket office and 25 people queuing at 245 for a ticket isn't good enough.

Then the games starts and you could see from the first minute the players were on the front foot, and although they opened up Brentford on a few occasions the final pass or shot let them down. But once Yerry put us ahead from the corner it was like something clicked and they started to dominate play. Not every pass hit its mark but the intensity to win the ball back was there for all to see. I said on Friday that I hoped fans wouldn't expect to much as Lampard and his coaches had only had a few training sessions to get their ideas across. Well if this is what they can achieve in a week I am really excited to see what can be achieved in the next few weeks and months.

There were good performances from virtually every player but there were some very special performances from Allan and Gomes in midfield and all 3 front players were excellent. Richarlison worked tirelessly up front and Anthony Gordon just gets better and better with every game, and Gray has that star quality and gets people off their seats. No not everything worked and yes we did make mistakes that thankfully went unpunished, so Evertonians are realistic to that, but the fans as well as the players kept up their intensity from beginning to end. At last we have got our club back, with Manager, coaches, players and fans singing from the same hymn sheet. For the first time in a long time we saw our side play with intensity and passion and look to go forward whenever possible and long may it continue.

I think we would have a better shout on Billy Gilmour and or Ruben Loftus-Cheek !

Colin @188, it's amazing, though early days, the effect Frank is having on the more unpopular players, Iwobi looked okay-ish after coming on as Sub, and did play a part in the fourth goal. I can see you buying the only Iwobi shirt in the Club Shop before the season is over ! :-)

It sounds a bit weird but taking on our squad as it is (essentially a potentially decent set of players but so challenged to perform) there is so much he and indeed Cole (Baines and Cahill included) can impart. At Chelsea he had a good squad of relatively successful players so his brief was almost to simply maintain momentum whilst improving where he could which he did with the involvement of young players.

Lampard is a young, highly intelligent and motivated manager with much yet to learn and experience. There will be slip ups and drama along the way but I do think we might be on the start of a real awakening of our great club.

Still buzzing after yesterday - long may it continue.

As for the Chelsea youngsters, I hope Frank has already invited Marina out for a cozy Chinese to discuss transfers in the summer. If they don’t want to sell us the kids can we get Thiago Silva, Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. Those OAP’s still have a lot of life in them.

Any major funds in the summer we spend should go on him!

Everton will not be relegated.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m over the moon with yesterday and I think Lampard is a good fit but let’s all keep our feet on the ground. Even Benitez was talking sense and we were coming from behind to win games during his first couple of months. We’re only ever a few defeats away from a crisis at Everton. I’m hopeful he’ll blood some youngsters and we’ll actually try and play football and attack but we still have a fair few players who aren’t good enough and we’re defensively suspect. There’s a lot of work to do but it’s encouraging.

Even Agent Rafa got off to a promising start "Evertons best ever home start" even he had a few decent results. Lets not forget Benítez had 13 pts after 6 games and soem on here were also singing his praises....I should Know because I was one of them.

I do think it was no coincidence that Howard achieved what he did with players who likely had watched him in the flesh, and I am praying we get the same bounce with Lampard. Only time will tell. And I know, of course, it wasn't all plain sailing for Howard at the start.

One could argue of course that Rooney might have the same credentials but I would consider Lampard to be on a different level mentally.

I hope Moshiri listens to what Evertonians want from a manager and not be listening to agents. Had he got his way I have no doubt we would have had Pereira in charge and I doubt if we would have had the same result or style of play. So Farhad stay in Monaco and just keep signing the checks when Frank asks you too. Dont communicate with fans via your mate at Talksport who I believe suggested that Everton fans are toxic. We arent toxic but we want a manager who will demand 100% from the players and will play attacking football were possible, not much to ask for.

There will be ups and downs over the rest of the season but the early signs are good, very good. The biggest positive for me is the backroom team that Frank has assembled which shows he is not too big headed to take advice, something too many of our recent past managers were unable to do.

The game itself and the result will be a massive uplift for the victor. Hugely deflating for the loser. A draw, 'as you were'.

I'm curious to see Frank's selection. It would be very easy to go with the same XI again. Nobody played badly. They all embraced and adapted to the way the manager wants the team to play.

But Lampard is well accustomed to seeing tweaks and changes on a game-by-game basis, so it wouldn't surprise me if players who played well on Saturday get replaced by Donny and Dele on Tuesday.

I like what he said about not getting on players' backs if they miss a tackle or a pass goes astray, as long as they attempting to keep to the game plan.

TWers have expressed it's a new slate for all, but in this thread alone you have posters calling out players for imagined failings.

Pickford displayed 'Tourette Syndrome' frenzy of the past, according to some. When? He dealt with a poor back pass from Coleman and rightly let him know it. He was clearly pushed in the chest on a Brentford corner and rightly complained. He rightly berated his defence for letting in Toney for the penalty. He rightly (for me) protested his innocence to the referee. Toney milked that. No penalty for me. Pickford was calm, competent and efficient in everything else he did.

Keane losing Toney for the penalty? Michael is clearly marking another forward in front of him. Toney is Holgate's man. Toney runs across and in front of Holgate (to the left and BEHIND and out of view of Michael Keane) and Holgate gets nowhere near Toney. Besides that, the penalty call doesn't happen if Mykolenko is on the same wavelength as he fellow defenders, rather than two yards back playing Toney onside.

Keane has only now discovered the ability to play the sweet short ball through to Allan that led to our second goal, taking out three Brentford players in doing so? He has been playing passes like that for his entire Everton career. He did it a number of times again yesterday, not just on that play.

Did both Gomes and Allan get caught on the ball and hit stray passes? Yes. But they were also hugely instrumental and influential in our good stuff. Gomes' stinging shot pushed over for a corner which led to Mina's opening goal. Allan's sublime pass to Richy for our second. Gomes' pass to Tosun in the build-up to our final goal.

Did Anthony Gordon win the ball well in midfield in the first half, but then make a poor back pass that put us under pressure? Yes. But I like that Lampard talked him up and rightly credited him for chasing down the Brentford defender to win a corner for his side, from which we scored the third goal.

The manager and his staff in less than a week has liberated the team from the Benitez straight jacket and expressed HIS confidence in their ability to play a more aggressive, rather than passive game. In one single game that confidence has passed to the players.

A few TWers would do well to embrace the same.

I enjoyed those images of Peter Reid and Joe Royle sat together.

Peter, with his rugged looks and grey fedora hat, looked like the 'capo dei capi' - the Mafia boss of all bosses!

A bit like how he played his footy!

I wasn’t against Rooney being appointed but sometimes he isn’t the best role model off the field.

I find hard to understand that the club were seemingly not selling any of empty Upper Bullens seats yesterday.

The other thing that grates with me is Brentford’s failure to use their full allocation, for a small club to not make the most of the opportunity is shameful. Its the FA Cup for fucks sake, non league clubs show better support.

To be fair, Mr Benitez did recommend journeyman Townsend who has done well. As for Rondon…

But that is getting ahead of ourselves. In terms of the current players, I'm very pleased that the underwhelming Townsend is such an effective player and also a great personality for the club.

Maybe one or two other underwhelming players already at the club will respond to the new regime.

Not wanting to end on a low note, but it's still very early days. Ancelotti and Benitez both delivered very good form initially. Lampard has arrested the slide and cheered everyone – but he needs to keep that going, something more experienced men have been unable (or almost weirdly unwilling) to do.

But sometimes he seems to miss obvious passing opportunities. He had one yesterday where he lost his head instead of passing to Richarlison. I have seen this before this season. I therefore checked his stats (not that I am a big stats person) and Gray is having 11 assists in 158 Premier League matches. That is 1 in 15 matches. Not a lot for his position. Townsend provides many more assists and even Iwobi has far better stats.

When we have Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Donny van de Beek, Delle Ali and Abdoulaye Doucouré back, there will be a lot of competition for the places. The way Gordon plays, he must be preferred to Gray. He just looks so good and will become very effective.

So maybe Gray will be the big loser after this transfer window? This would be a shame since he really looks like enjoying his time.

He is the guy that scored against us a few weeks ago too. But you are right, they have added some height to their back 4.

Bournemouth at home next round. Can't complain about that.

Alongside players like Van de Beek and Alli, his assist stats may start to improve.

Really good player.

If Gray is sold in the summer – although I can't see any reason why we would sell him – then we will get more than ten times the money that we paid for him.

Finally, why can't Gray and Gordon play together? They did more than alright, as far as I could see.

Henrik #224, I'd wager my house payment that Gray will remain a starter under Lampard, selfish or not. He is simply doing too many things that nobody else in the club can do.

Colin #196, no, it wasn't a fluke and he didn't try to step on the ball. The one quality Iwobi does have is a great first touch. and he showed it with the layoff to Townsend. But don't worry, you won't be seeing much of him from here on.

What a deflating story. It's not so much jobsworths as individuals anymore, it's the whole OTT bureaucratic "Safety" culture. Did no-one in the office try a call to anyone etc? How did they explain your telepathy re the name on the envelope?

Next time, tell Denise to write your name on there too, and maybe a little love heart to make certain. ;-)

I'm on record saying that there are two types of games where the results are more important than the performances and they are cup ties and derby games.

I don't consider yesterday's game anything other than a spectacle to be enjoyed. The saying: "You can only beat the team you face" springs to mind.

Okay, it might not have been a fluke but to say he “has a first great touch” is stretching it further than Ron Jeremy's schlong.

On the Gray discussion though, while I’ve seen him dribble past some runs he could use for a link up this looks mostly to be down to vision than selfishness. Gray and Gordon are the only two that can create space on tbe dribble. Gray is the only one who can make the defender commit and then freeze them with a move. He simply hasn’t developed that sixth sense of where the teammates are and what combination will unlock the defense. He played through the middle yesterday and while he has the skills he does not yet have the vision and will tend to try to dribble out of pressure coverage. It sounds like the experiment worked give it some tkme for the chemistry to develop.

Duncan is just trying to put one foot in front of the other at the moment. He has no choice.

He was saying that having a ticket is more proof than having a card, so luckily there was a couple of empty seats about because sometimes these things can end up getting quite nasty.

It is obviously a good deal £1.7 million and he has been terrific so far. Actually I was a bit surprised by the incoming transfers being that offensive.

I am just saying that suddenly we have a lot of competition in the offensive department with the incoming of Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek, the return of Calvert-Lewin, while Anthony Gordon looks like a star in the making.

I would consider Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as given starters. I also think that Dele Alli is here to start like Donny van de Beek. I could not see Gordon be left out either so certainly Gray would not be a given starter.

By the way I did not call Gray selfish. He just doesn't see things or having that split vision. Hence his relative poor stats.

Richarlison you might call selfish but that is the characteristics of a real goal-getter. Sometimes it is so frustrating but he scores a lot of goals in general.

Mike, I hope your house is not too expensive!

The ability to consistently make the right decision in the free flow of the game is one of the most underrated in football. De Bruyne just awes me that way.

You know who else always made the right decision in the heat of the moment? Frank Lampard.

Nobody is getting carried away with this one result, but what does come across from what everyone has written is a palpable sense of relief. Relief that at last we have a manager who will say things as they are, has a sense of humour, allows players to express themselves, won’t accept anything less than 100% effort, and enjoys a good, raucous crowd.

We’ve waited long enough for such a person.

He also has solid people around him, notably Clement.

Glad Gomes had the players around him to shine. He can dictate games when he's got a pass on. The problem under the previous manager is he never had people at angles waiting for a short pass, one-twos or through balls. Just him and Allan like an island in the middle of the pitch earlier in the season.

Same for Iwobi who comes insides and likes the full-back to take the full-back with them. Looks a different player when he plays in team going for short passes. He just needs to sort out running 30 yards in a straight line with the ball next.

Corners not hitting the first man – so lovely to see.

I think the players will now smell a chance in the cup. Why not when you see the likes of Man Utd crash out.

One thing I think may not be a surprise if Doucoure doesn't suit this dancing feet and quick one-twos style of football. It's not galloping counter attack anymore. It's more about finding pockets of space and sharp accurate incisive passing. We'll find out in the summer transfer window.

Although in mitigation, there was nothing nefarious whatsoever in the Ticket Allocation that I never received. I believe it is getting looked into tomorrow at Everton, club level at least!

Also never realised, as mentioned before, that I could have got in, via Tickets being sold late, due to Brentford's over-estimated take up! No-one said at Goodison in any capacity at all!

Goes to show after nearly 60 years of supporting Everton and having a Season Ticket for many of them, it doesn't matter a toss to them who you are, and they don't care either!

Of course the factor of another body (the FA) adds another permutation for potential mistakes but it's just not good enough. For you to walk away like that while seats go begging – terrible. Endless talk of "Communication" whilst in reality it's anything but.

Oh well, maybe their look into it will help.

I wonder if he was humming “I remember you well at the Chelsea Hotel, you were talking so brave and so sweet”?

Personally, I think Reidy would have been growling "Everybody Knows." Appropriate to the occasion.

Lampard has just got to be a major factor. He must have got through to the whole team because we actually played as a team. In so many games in the last few months, it has seemed like a bunch of disgruntled individuals.

He will have some difficult choices to make for the Newcastle game, but that is great. Competition usually breeds success.

Bring on Newcastle & Leeds; 4 or 6 points would be great & improve the mood around the club even further. COYB & UTFT

Remember Telford?