It’s finally starting to look like an exciting time to be an Everton fan again.
Fresh from a comfortable 4-1 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup victory in Frank Lampard’s first game as manager, they now look ahead to a huge league match away at Newcastle United.
Both fanbases have reasons to believe things are on the up with the Magpies having just splashed the money around in January, but it’s fair to say neither of their seasons have gone as they would have hoped so far, meaning they will be equally desperate for the three points on Tuesday in order to boost their survival bid.
“The game tomorrow is a massive day for how our season could go,” said John Barlow, founder of Everton fan website, TheToffeeBlues.
“It is important to be picking up points against a team that is in a similar position to ours, in order to steer us away from danger.”
The feelgood factor seemed to have returned to Goodison Park on Saturday as Everton convincingly beat Brentford with goals from Yerry Mina, Richarlison, Mason Holgate and Andros Townsend, causing chants of Frank Lampard’s name to ring around the ground, a far cry from the mood whilst the hugely unpopular Rafael Benitez held the reins.
The Chelsea legend appears to have inspired the Goodison faithful with his passion on the touchline as well as his implementation of more positive, possession-based football.
Barlow said: “The Brentford game was a massive boost for Lampard and the club as a whole.
“It really gave the fans something to shout about after a torrid time under the management of Rafa Benitez.
“Lampard has the fans onboard and although it is early days, we have seen positive signs.”
One of the shining lights against the Bees was the performance of Anthony Gordon. The 20-year-old earned a standing ovation from supporters after a tireless performance in which he chased every ball and was a constant threat to the opposition with his direct running.
Barlow is excited to see him in action again at St. James’s Park and believes the heavy praise he has received from Evertonians is more than warranted.
“I think Gordon could make a big impact against Newcastle,” he said.
“For me he has been the star of our season and it’s brilliant to see him get the praise he deserves.
“His pace and creativity on the wings and the hunger to show how good he can be could really cause Newcastle problems.”
There is also the possibility of two new signings making their Everton debut on Tyneside. Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli were both introduced to the crowd at half-time of the Brentford match, after signing on Deadline Day from Manchester United (on loan) and Tottenham respectively.
Barlow is hoping to see them both feature against Eddie Howe’s side, saying: “Dele and Donny are both exciting signings and the whole fanbase is looking forward to seeing what they can do.”
However, he would be reluctant to throw them straight into the starting line-up after missing out on Saturday due to them both being cup-tied.
“Andre Gomes and Allan both had excellent games against Brentford, and it would be hard to argue not starting them against Newcastle.
“Hopefully we still see the new signings get some minutes during the game.”
There are also doubts over the availability of centre forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin who missed out on Saturday after picking up a knock in the week.
It has been a frustrating campaign so far for the England international with injury restricting him to just six appearances so far.
Barlow would be hesitant to start him and says it all ‘depends where his fitness levels are at.’
“I feel like Rafa Benitez rushed Dom back numerous times causing him to pick up more injuries.
“Richarlison played well against Brentford and if Dom isn’t 100% fit, I wouldn’t be rushing him back into the side.”
The Frank Lampard era has got off to a blistering start but Everton have got to turn their attention away from dreams of cup glory and onto steering themselves away from relegation.
Their clash with Newcastle United is a massive game and the Toffees will be hoping to secure only their second league win since September and extend the honeymoon period for the new boss.
