The Crystal Palace victory was a great end to a tough week for Everton. From a 2-0 defeat in the capital, to a 1-0 loss up in Tyneside, a convincing win and positive performance was a must for Frank Lampard. Here is what he can take from Saturdays clash.

1. Playing out from the back works

When Lampard joined Everton, it quickly became clear that to maintain the clubs Premier League status, the performances had to be adapted.

Playing out from the back wasn’t an option, instead there was the need to grind out results by being difficult to break down.

After having a transfer window and pre season to build on, Everton showed they both can play attractive football and be a difficult side to score against.

When out of possession, Lampard’s side were lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin pressing from the front. When in possession, the 4-2-3-1 formation created plenty of chances.

Against Palace, Everton had 9 shots on goal, four more than in their previous two games.

2. Everton can rely on a fully fit Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin impressed. The England international played the opening 78 minutes and managed to get his first goal of the season in the opening stages.

The 25-year-old kept his cool, slotting home through Tyrick Mitchell’s legs for his finish in the bottom left corner.

The strike made Joel Ward’s decision to have the home side shoot into the Gwladys Street End in the first half worthwhile.

It is last chance saloon for Calvert-Lewin as he has four games to show Gareth Southgate he should be on the plane to Qatar.

The England manager was watching on and would have been impressed with the strength and positioning Everton’s number nine.

3. Coady and Tarkowski should both be going to the World Cup.

Everton have acquired two leaders to sort out defensive problems and have all the qualities to be Everton centre halves.

James Tarkowski proved to be too strong for any of the Palace forwards and Connor Coady’s positional play was too clever for the opposition.

The two defenders seem to be on the same wavelength. Last season the defence lacked confidence and leadership.

Southgate faces defensive issues going into the World Cup. Whether that’s injury problems or players out of form, this new Everton pairing are good enough to play in the England side.

With Coady proving many people wrong, including his former manager Bruno Lage, the 29-year-old is more than capable to play in a back four as well as a back three. That should appeal to the England coaching staff.

4. Alex Iwobi should get the recognition he deserves

One of the stories of 2022 is the rebirth of Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian international has been instrumental for Lampard in midfield.

Another man of the match performance was awarded for his display which included two assists.

The 26-year-old’s uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha was in the crowd to see his nephew score a world class goal against Manchester United. It is clear the talent runs in the family.

Everton fans were disappointed their midfielder didn’t win the Premier League’s September player of the month, which went to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, but it’s the performances not awards that count more for Everton.

The Everton Manager confirmed the club are in the process of securing Iwobi to a new and improved contract. He is vital Lampard’s plans.

5. Seamus Coleman has still got it in his locker.

On the 22nd of September 2009, Seamus Coleman made his debut for Everton. On the 22nd of September 2022, the skipper completed his 390th appearance for the club.

In recent seasons, Coleman has had his fair share of stick. The criticism has been more aimed at the club who stalled in attempts to find a suitable replacement.

The Republic of Ireland Captain was left out to dry at times by Everton. At times that has been a fair call.

Here, Coleman didn’t put a foot wrong. The challenge to play directly against an in-form Wilfred Zaha proved all too easy for the right back.

This is the third game that Coleman has played in a week. The same Coleman who has suffered injuries that can lead to early retirements.

The Everton faithful and Coleman enjoy a healthy respect for each other. An impeccable servant all for the prince of £60,000.

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