Frank Lampard’s Everton defeated Brentford 4-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday.© AFP
Frank Lampard enjoyed a dream start as Everton manager as his new team beat Brentford 4-1 to win the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday. The mood around Goodison Park turned from despair in recent months as the former England midfielder was warmly welcomed along with new signings Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek paraded at halftime. Everton reveled in that positivity, noting just a second win over the opposition in the Premier League in 15 games. One of the Toffees’ weaknesses this season turned into a strength when Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate scored from set pieces, while Richarlison and Andros Townsend were also on target.
Brentford’s big deadline for the signing of Christian Eriksen was not included in Thomas Frank’s roster as he prepares for his return to football after a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The only response from the Bees came via an Ivan Toney penalty early in the second half to narrow the deficit to 2-1 at the time.
But Brentford can now focus on holding off players like Everton at the bottom of the Premier League rankings to ensure they remain in their first league for 74 years.
Lampard received a rousing reception before kick-off, in stark contrast to the unpopular appointment of his predecessor Rafael Benitez, who had spent six years in charge of rivals Liverpool.
Mina’s injury problems have compounded Everton’s defensive problems and his return comes at the right time for Lampard ahead of the big league games against Newcastle and Leeds next week.
The Colombian rose to power in the corner of Demarai Gray for the opening goal in the 31st minute.
Richarlison should have increased that lead before half-time, but made no mistake with a fine finish from Allan’s through ball three minutes into the second half.
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Brentford was given a life preserver when Jordan Pickford bundled Toney in the area five minutes later and converted the striker from the spot.
However, Holgate’s header quickly recovered Everton’s two-goal cushion before Townsend completed a fine result in stoppage time.
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