Frank Lampard made a winning start to his Everton reign as Brentford were beaten 4-1 in the FA Cup fourth round, while non-league Kidderminster were seconds away from causing a huge upset before West Ham escaped with a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Lampard was hired on Monday to replace the sacked Rafael Benitez and Everton welcomed the former England star to Goodison Park by winning for just the second time in seven games.
Back in the dug-out for the first time since being dismissed by Chelsea in January 2021, Lampard watched as Yerry Mina headed Everton’s opener in the 31st minute.
Richarlison doubled Everton’s advantage from Allan’s pass three minutes after half-time, with Brentford reducing the deficit through Ivan Toney’s 54th-minute penalty.
Lampard was punching the air in delight eight minutes later when Mason Holgate headed in Demarai Gray’s corner.
Lampard’s last Chelsea match was also in the FA Cup fourth round, a victory over Luton, but this was a far more uplifting affair for the 43-year-old.
Everton fans serenaded him with chants of “Super Frankie Lampard” before Andros Townsend bagged their fourth goal in stoppage-time.
Sixth-tier Kidderminster sit 113 places below West Ham, who are pushing for a place in next season’s Champions League.
But the minnows defied that vast gap with a heroic display that underlined why the FA Cup remains so enthralling for football romantics.
Kidderminster were good value for Alex Penny’s early goal at Aggborough, the defender smashing home after West Ham failed to deal with Omari Sterling’s free-kick.
Moments away from a stunning exit, David Moyes’ men were saved by Declan Rice as the England midfielder charged forward in the first minute of stoppage time, cut inside and fired into the roof of the net.
A penalty shootout was looming in extra time until Jarrod Bowen tapped home from close range with virtually the last kick to finally end Kidderminster’s brave challenge.
– Chelsea escape –
Chelsea also needed extra time to see off lower league opposition after Plymouth missed a late penalty in the Blues’ 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
The European champions were without manager Thomas Tuchel, who has tested positive for coronavirus, and Macaulay Gillesphey nodded third-tier Plymouth into a shock lead after just eight minutes.
Cesar Azpilicueta’s inventive finish levelled just before half-time, yet Chelsea had to wait until the end of the first half of extra time to go in front when Marcos Alonso slotted home.
Plymouth were awarded a penalty with seconds to go in extra time, but Kepa Arrizabalaga ensured there would not be a shoot-out as he saved Ryan Hardie’s spot-kick.
In a clash between the leaders of the Premier League and the Championship, Manchester City recovered from Fulham’s opening salvo to run out 4-1 winners.
Fabio Carvalho, linked with a move to Liverpool, put second-tier Fulham ahead in the fourth minute at the Etihad Stadium.
But that shock served to inspire City and they equalised immediately through Ilkay Gundogan before John Stones headed the hosts into the lead.
City’s Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez converted a 53rd-minute penalty and netted again four minutes later to seal the victory.
Crystal Palace eased to a 2-0 win against fourth-tier Hartlepool, with Marc Guehi and Michael Olise on target at Selhurst Park.
Norwich took a break from their Premier League struggles to secure a 1-0 victory at Wolves through Kenny McLean’s first-half goal.
AFP
