Frank Lampard hails ‘very special’ day as Everton begin reign with Brentford win

Everton v Brentford – Emirates FA Cup – Fourth Round – Goodison Park
(Image credit: Peter Byrne)

New Everton manager Frank Lampard admits he had a day he will never forget after opening his Goodison Park reign with a 4-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Premier League rivals Brentford.

Goals from Yerry Mina, Richarlison, Mason Holgate and Andros Townsend, after Ivan Toney’s penalty had briefly made it 2-1, secured the biggest win on debut by any Toffees boss.

It was the team’s largest victory against top-flight opposition since beating West Ham by the same scoreline in the Carabao Cup in September 2020 and had supporters singing “Super Frankie Lampard” in the second half and at the final whistle.

“I can only thank the fans for their support of me from the moment I walked out and of course at the end, seeing the team perform the way it did,” said the former Chelsea boss.

“It’s a day I’ll never forget, it was very special, and I can’t help but get caught up in the emotion of that for the moment.

“We all hear about the Goodison effect and I’ve felt it on the other side and we wanted to produce that today and the players did.

“But as much as I was proud of the performance and it gets me excited, I have to calm down now and work towards the league games.”

A banner reading 'Best of luck Frank'

Frank Lampard received a warm welcome at Goodison Park (Peter Byrne/PA)

The only downside on an otherwise positive day was an injury to Ben Godfrey.

“Hamstring injury to be assessed,” added Lampard.

“Let it settle for two days and then scan it, but he will be missing for a period of time, depending on the severity.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank did not feel they deserved to lose by the margin they did but bemoaned their poor defending at corners for the defeat.

“I think when you lose 4-1 you can’t argue, it’s a fair defeat. I do think it was never a 4-1 defeat,” he said.

Everton players celebrate

Everton pulled clear in the second half (Peter Byrne/PA)

“They had four chances and scored four goals – very efficient by Everton.

“First half they created nothing, we created nothing and then they scored a goal from a set-piece and we should never concede that one.

“Second half we adjusted things and then they score after three minutes.

“We had a good spell, make it 2-1 and then we concede another set-piece. The big disappointing thing is we conceded two set-piece goals.

“I think today we looked s**t on set-pieces.”

Read more
David Moyes smiles on his return to Everton in January 2025
'The atmosphere is a lot more positive: when a new manager comes in it gives everyone a new lease of life, players that haven’t played as much get a new chance to impress' - Everton behind-the-scenes update after David Moyes makes immediate impact
A VAR message for a possible offside is displayed on the big screen following a goal by James Tarkowski of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
If you know your history you will appreciate the irony of Goodison Park's final act in the final Merseyside Derby ever played there
Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts before the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 6, 2025.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot branded an 'unruly spoilt brat, unaccustomed to dealing with adversity' in shocking rant: report
Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium Handout Photos
Everton’s new stadium has opened - with an insult already delivered to the Toffees by a Liverpool fan
Sean Dyche on the touchline for Everton
Sacking Sean Dyche could either make or break Everton, with no in between
Chelsea's English midfielder #20 Cole Palmer (R) celebrates after his deflected shot makes it 2-1 during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in London on February 3, 2025
Stamford Bridge’s volume can help Chelsea secure the Champions League football they crave and need
Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed