Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Frank Lampard was granted a privilege never afforded to his unpopular predecessor Rafael Benitez as Everton’s new manager brought smiles back to a previously toxic and gloomy Goodison Park.
Midway through the second half, as Everton controlled what ended as a comfortable FA Cup fourth round victory over Brentford, Lampard’s name echoed thunderously around the stands of the old stadium.
It was a moment of release from supporters who – and this applies even to those who did not take against the arrival of Benitez – never once allowed the name of the former Liverpool manager to pass their lips in any public show of affection.
The toxicity which has characterised recent games here, particularly the home losses to Liverpool and Aston Villa, was swept away by Lampard’s animated presence in the technical area and the enjoyment of the best win for any Everton manager in his first game.
Everton’s supporters have been in revolt recently, even registering their displeasure when the name of Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira was floated as owner Farhad Moshiri’s preferred choice ahead of 43-year-old Lampard.
In the end, Lampard got the volatile Moshiri’s seal of approval and while this was only one day and much bigger challenges await, it would be churlish to take away the sheer joy Everton and their fans – as well as their clearly elated manager – took from this 4-1 victory.
First impressions count and Lampard has made a good one. It was almost like Everton had a cleansing of the system in the last seven days, although it is clear much of their fanbase is still watching every move of those in control at Goodison Park.
One win will not make it all better and there remains a disconnect between many Everton fans and the club’s hierarchy – but this was as good a day as they have enjoyed this season.
The measure of their struggles can be shown by the fact that when the giant figure of Yerry Mina headed them in front after 31 minutes, it was the first time Everton had scored first in a match since 23 October and even that ended in a 5-2 thrashing by Watford.
This was a new start – again – and Lampard was being hailed as a hero by the final whistle.
BBC