Lampard makes perfect start as Everton beat Brentford 4-1

Frank Lampard’s Everton career got off to a terrific start as the Toffees comfortably beat Brentford 4-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.

He got off to the best possible start as the header from Yerry Mina – only on the field because of an early injury to Ben Godfrey – was the first time the Toffees had taken the lead in a match since October.

But after Richarlison had doubled their advantage shortly after half-time, the former Chelsea boss saw his side put themselves under unnecessary pressure by conceding a second-half Ivan Toney penalty.

Lampard received a huge ovation as he was introduced to Goodison before kick-off but was missing deadline day signings Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli – both cup-tied – and injured pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

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For Brentford, there was a welcome comeback for goalkeeper David Raya after being out since October.

Everton’s early momentum, fuelled by a partisan crowd, was temporarily quietened when Ben Godfrey had to limp off after 14 minutes with what appeared a hamstring injury.

Mina came on so Lampard could stick with his 3-4-3 and the game burst into life after half-an-hour.

Everton’s first shot on target saw Raya unconvincingly scramble an Andre Gomes strike away for a corner.

From the set-piece, Demarai Gray delivered a beauty and Mina was left unmarked to rise high and power in a header.

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Lampard, who reached the final in his previous FA Cup campaign with Chelsea, punched the air in delight.

It was Mina’s first goal since last year’s fourth round tie against Sheffield Wednesday

Everton wanted to kill off the game quickly and Gray released Richarlison whose acrobatic finish sailed over.

Brentford’s only first-half attempt saw Jordan Pickford dive well to keep out a rising shot by Sergi Canos.

Everton fans had just returned to their seats when Lampard was able to celebrate a second goal, jumping into the arms of coach Joe Edward.

Allan was the supplier with a pass to the right edge of the penalty area where Richarlison finished emphatically.

It could have killed off Brentford but instead they started to raise their game.

The previously-quiet Toney left Mina in a heap with a neat swivel and cross.

The striker’s next forward run saw him upended in the box by Pickford.

Toney finished the job by slotting home the penalty and then got caught up in a brief scuffle with Pickford as he tried to retrieve the ball quickly to restart.