MATCH CENTRE

Townsend Reveals Key To Lampard's Impact

Andros Townsend says the injection of confidence provided by new manager Frank Lampard was clear for all to see in Everton's convincing 4-1 win over Brentford - and believes the new boss can be the perfect fit for the Club's philosophy.

Townsend stepped off the bench as a second-half substitute to provide the cherry on top of the icing of a satisfying cake, with the Blues securing their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Indeed, Lampard's 4-1 victory was the biggest-ever debut win by an Everton manager.

And Townsend insists Lampard's focus on quality of possession during his first week of training at USM Finch Farm paid dividends against the Bees.

"We knew we had to use the energy of the crowd," said Townsend, after netting his seventh goal in Everton colours. "With the new manager coming in, we knew the atmosphere would be amazing and it was that. 

"We started on the front foot, the boys pressed well and worked really hard. Nine times out of 10, when you run your socks off and work hard, you get your reward. Today we got that.

"The manager has given us that belief. 

"He's obviously looked at the stats and possession-wise this season we've not been good enough. 

"We've been in the 30s and 40s, which, for a club the size of Everton, is nowhere near good enough. 

"So, first and foremost, in training we've been working on keeping the ball, enjoying the ball. 

"I thought it'd take a lot longer than a week but you saw out there today we were more comfortable on the ball and it felt like we had a lot more possession out there on the pitch. 

"Then, at the end of it all, we scored four goals which we haven't done so far this season."

As well as edging possession (56 per cent) on the day, two of Everton's goals - Yerry Mina's opener and Mason Holgate's headed effort for the Toffees' third - came via set pieces.

They were, in fact, the first two goals scored from corners in 2021/22, while, at the other end, the Blues successfully defended six corners.

Townsend revealed new First-Team coach Paul Clement has wasted no time getting his messages across after being given the responsibility of attacking and defending set pieces.

"Clem has come in and taken charge of the set pieces," revealed Townsend. "We've worked this week on it and had a meeting this morning, so we tried to leave no stone unturned. 

"But, at the end of the day, it's all about delivery and appetite to get on the end of it. On this occasion, Dimi's delivery was incredible and Yerry had the appetite to go and put it away."

Townsend, who played with Lampard for England, has been impressed by the 43-year-old's methods in the early stages of his tenure - and believes his ideals align perfectly with those of Evertonians.

"I think everyone knows Frank the player," he added. "Speaking about the manager, he's obviously young, very modern, fresh ideas, likes to play attacking football high up the pitch, as you saw today. 

"We played with two wing-backs but, as a matter of fact, they were more like wingers. 

"He wants to play up the pitch - exactly what the fans want, so, hopefully it's going to be a good match with the manager and the great fans we have here."