But one question remains. Not about Benitez's moribund tactics but how did you get out the shop without setting off an alarm if the security tags were still on your new trainers? Be honest now!

I came home 4 years ago. Got to see all 3 home games during the Christmas period 2017-18. Downside was that they were under Allardyce. Wish I'd waited til now.

Re Jon's quip about your trainers, I live on the other side of the world now but sadly, our reputation follows us everywhere. Mostly in the form of jokes and mostly from ex-pats not from Liverpool but it's still there. Most who've been to Liverpool do however also mention our homour & friendliness.

As a result, the team looked much more compact allowing our midfield duo to control the game for lengthy periods. The only time we lost control was after we scored the second goal. Brentford threw men forward and suddenly all the familiar issues of defensive vulnerability came to the fore with players out of position and floundering. A better team than Brentford might have embarrassed us.

Thankfully, the third goal killed the game off and we could enjoy the last half-hour of a home game for the first time in ages. It will be interesting to see how our new manager sets the team up on Tuesday and if and how he uses Donny and Dele.

As you pointed out, fast-breaking teams with speedy strikers & wingers would expose that system with a pass similar to Allan's yesterday (& James in the Derby). Particularly minus Godfrey's speed.

That's pretty basic stuff though. Surely Frank & his coaching team are far savvier than to play the same style against all opposing squads.

Thanks to the podcast. Now I read this and hear your voice!

I rarely take my eyes off the football, but this was also something Steven Gerard was constantly saying to his Villa defenders, and although we are sure to get done with a ball over the top from time to time, I’m certain the benefits will more than outweigh this issue?

I call it 5-2-2-1 but it's basically the same thing as 3-4-3.

It revolves around two intelligent, fairly deep-lying central midfielders – Neves and Moutinho. Neither of them are especially athletic but they have excellent technique and play close together to create short passing options before the ball is moved forward / to the flanks.

The athleticism comes from the wing-backs and, in effect, two number 10s (eg, Podence and Trincao this season, Traore and Neto previously) who switch between wide and central positions helping to create overloads and passing options. They also prevent Moutinho and Neves being outnumbered in central areas.

We did the same thing with Allan, Gomes, Gray and Gordon. They all seemed to enjoy it.

Someone may be able to up with stats on this but I've never seen Wolves as being particularly susceptible to a ball played over the top. Boly, Saiss and Coady are not Godfrey quick either – though not as slow as Keane.

I'm not sure whether we'll stick with this formation or whether it was forced on us with basically only two properly fit centre mid players – but it's not a bad way to set up.

I actually wanted Potter or Nuno to replace Ancelotti last summer because I thought the squad we had then was easiest to fix by playing 5-2-2-1.

Things have moved on a bit since then, of course. Interesting to see how we set up in the league games now.

Anyhow, we parked in Stanley Park, one grandson spent enough in the club shop to fund Dele Alli's wages for a week or two and entered the ground me and the non-driving son had a couple of beers, incidentally what an awful selection we were offered, but that's a sidetrack.

We entered the seats in the main stand around the penalty box, Gwladys Street, end threequarters of the way back.

The atmosphere was excellent, none of the feeling of gloom that has been prevalent in my recent visits. The game started and Everton looked in control, they had enthusiasm. Holgate did a classy shimmy after winning the ball and a cheer went up.

I felt the three-man defence was excellent, Mina got the first goal, Keane who I quite rate, was outstanding and Holgate thoroughly deserved his goal.

Brentford were poor, but Everton possibly made them look poor. The atmosphere was excellent and my older grandson who is as committed as I was at twelve, despite having spent a few years as part of Leicester City's youth set-up, revelled in the singing and general joy of the occasion.

A lovely day and I hope that on Tuesday night the same positivity continues. Lampard has started brilliantly, long may it continue. COYB.

There will be games in which we get caught out, notably those against the top teams. Against the rest, though, we should be able to control the majority of possession and score goals.

If the likes of Richarlison, Gray and Gordon are receiving the greater percentage of the ball higher up the field they are more likely to be produce the goods than when they are picking it up deep in their own half.

Great beginning to the new era. You are so right about both Gordon and Holgate they can be really excellent players. Also Michael Keane becomes a different player when Yerry Mina is also in the team.

I've mentioned some of the other players on other threads, so I'll pick up on your Holgate comments.

I've been reluctant to criticise him. Played in multiple positions by multiple managers, he's had no consistency so hasn't been able to establish any consistency. Great to see him on the scoresheet yesterday and loved his celebration with Kenny who wasn't even on the pitch at the time.

Nice perspective on Mason Holgate. He, like Pickford, Davies and a host of others, has been subjected to a revolving door of coaches and systems.

Allan has this pass he likes to play. It just doesn't always result in a goal. But I've seen him dink it from the half way line and it's often targeted at Richarlison. Glad to see it came off this weekend.

Lastly, Gordon must be the most pleasing without lots of fuss young Evertonian we've had for ages. He's managed to bypass all that expectation put on Barkley, Davies, Baxter, Rodwell et al. He just has got on with it. I think it is fair to say he cannot be charged with the usual accusation of "Championship player at best" which is what some of those other players had levelled at them.

I rarely comment in your threads, but always read them and appreciate the time you take to post your game-day experience.

Please keep them coming. Good stuff every time.