MATCH CENTRE

The Verdict: Lampard's Blues Sweep Aside Leeds

Everton delivered an exceptional all-round performance to overwhelm Leeds United and run out 3-0 winners at a feverish Goodison Park on Saturday.

Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon were on target for Frank Lampard’s Blues, who were dominant throughout. Everton racked up 21 efforts on goal during the game, of which 10 were on target.

To put that in context – it has been nine years since Everton combined having more than 20 shots on goal with having 10 or more of those on target.

Read our key takeaways from a rousing Everton victory below…

Iwobi Repays Manager’s Faith

Speaking post-match, Frank Lampard revealed Alex Iwobi’s performances in training demanded a place in the team.

“He trains with great talent and work-ethic,” Lampard explained. “He needs to believe in himself. I certainly believe in him and I told him that before the game.”

Iwobi went on to repay his boss in spades with an energetic, high-octane display from the first whistle.

The Nigeria forward worked relentlessly for his team, consistently harrying and challenging and intercepting. Iwobi recovered possession nine times for Everton and made three tackles.

Iwobi’s display was laced with quality on the ball, too. His total of five key passes during the game was the best of any player – and he had more touches (62) than anyone else in the Everton side.

Lampard added: “The work-ethic side of the game…it’s a tough gig playing on the flanks against Leeds. You have to do a lot of work off the ball and Alex did that.

“It’s important everyone gives their absolute maximum. Alex gave everything for us.”

Frank Lampard
Alex trains with great talent and work-ethic. He gave everything for us.


Golden Gordon

Anthony Gordon said he felt like a superstar when the travelling Evertonians sang his name following a spirited 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in December.

Well, the decibels were elevated even further when he left the pitch nine minutes from time at Goodison on Saturday, with a joyous crowd rising to belt out the now familiar refrain of ‘Ohhh Anthony Gordon’ from all sides of the ground.

This was a performance that showcased all the thrilling facets of Gordon’s ever-increasing arsenal, with the Academy graduate playing a vital hand in all three Everton goals.

He displayed imagination and vision to play a perfectly executed reverse pass to Donny van de Beek in the move that led to Seamus Coleman’s early opener.

Gordon’s corner delivery whipped in with pace, swerve and dip was then headed home by Michael Keane for the Blues’ second of the afternoon.

And Gordon was credited with Everton final goal of the afternoon when he diverted in Richarlison’s 20-yard strike late in the piece.

He posed a consistent threat to Leeds throughout the game and fired in five shots – more than anyone else on the pitch. Moreover, all his efforts were on target.

Frank Lampard earlier this week praised Gordon’s attitude and willingness to learn, describing the forward a player that “makes you enjoy coming to work every day”.

Gordon appears to grow in stature with each passing week and Evertonians are certainly enjoying the thrilling sight of watching one on their own flourish in royal blue.


Donny Makes His Mark

Donny van de Beek set out his ambition to show Evertonians and the people in England what he could do after signing on loan from Manchester United on transfer deadline day.

In his first start for Everton, he duly displayed the technical ability and tactical intelligence which made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders.

Van de Beek brought calm and precision to a rip-roaring Everton performance, helping the Toffees retain possession and sustain attacks.

He made more passes than any other Everton player (40) and boasted a completion rate of 87.5 per cent – higher than any other outfield player who completed 90 minutes.

His positioning was on point, too, and he helped thwart Leeds attacks by recovering possession 10 times. Van de Beek’s total of four successful tackles was also unsurpassed in the Everton team.

In what was a hotly-contested poll, van de Beek was voted man of the match by Evertonians. All in all, then, a hugely encouraging full debut for the Dutch international.


Full-Back Duo Epitomise Everton Spirit

Everton’s full-back positions were occupied against Leeds by the Club’s exemplary captain – still going strong 13 years and 369 appearances after signing from Sligo Rovers – and a born-and-bred Blue from Kirkdale who joined the Toffees' Academy aged nine.

Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny were outstanding on Saturday, defending diligently and attacking with purpose and penetration.

Ahead of the game, Frank Lampard called on his team to replicate the fans’ passion and desire. The lines may be somewhat blurred for Coleman and Kenny, both diehard Evertonians who have the responsibility of representing the Club they love on the field.

The emotion was etched over Coleman’s face as he celebrated at the Sir Philip Carter Park End after opening the scoring.

His close-range header was the result of showing the perseverance and determination that has underpinned his entire professional career – the Irishman having continued his run into the penalty box after rapping a pass into Anthony Gordon’s feet.

The 33-year-old didn’t stop throughout the 90 minutes and Lampard was eager to praise Coleman’s “great quality” as well as his inspiring leadership qualities.

Kenny was equally accomplished in an unfamiliar left-back position, with two marvellous pieces of skill to beat his man drawing huge cheers from the crowd.

He embarked on three successful dribbles during the game – the most of any Blues player – and created two chances.

Defensively, Coleman and Kenny were part of a backline that did not give up a single shot on target.

The pair were at the heart of a tremendous collective display from Everton and the sustained ovation from the Goodison faithful upon the final whistle recognised the team’s efforts.