Tenacious Everton shake the monkey off their back at West Ham's expense

What a difference from last season, having a solid defence and an industrious engine room, makes.

I didn't see the possession stats but if we didn't keep passing to them, they'd have had close to none!

It seemed like the sort of game in which to introduce Garner or, if we were going to keep pumping crosses in, Calvert-Lewin but I'll trust the Boss because he can see what's happening on the training ground.

We're heading in the right direction, as we all knew prior to today, and at last we got our just desserts.

Pleased too that Frank was wearing a suit and looked professional. Steven Gerrard put him to shame when we played Villa.

Neal Maupay
Now my troubles are so far away
I know you're going to score today
Oh I believe in Neal Maupay.

We are starting to look like a proper, organised football team again. For the first time in a long time, teams will not look forward to playing us.

Well earned victory and every player played for the shirt.

Now for the international break.

There's some kind of connection between Frank and us that I haven't seen or felt since the Great Joe Royle took over in '94!

We're onto something...long may it continue. And Alex Iwobi is fuckin' brilliant.

- Gana's turnover in our own half only led to Benrahma shooting against the post.

- Communication breakdown between Patterson and Gordon only led to them yelling at each other at the ensuing corner (just like one of those happened between a winger and a full-back at a Sunday League Game).

- Despite being a lively Speed Demon, Demarai Gray continues to be Jekyll & Hyde with the ball on his feet.

- Tarkowski and Coady mis-judged one of the long balls and almost allowed Cornet's first opportunity to become a bigger threat, if not for Patterson's intervention.

- The 2nd Cornet opportunity was almost like our Midfield & Back 4 went asleep together after West Ham's goal kick: acres of spaces for Cornet to have a semi 1-on-1 that was well punched away by Begovic.

Despite all of these, glad that we got our win of the season and hopefully the down time coming up would allow Frank & the coaching staff to sharpen the lads up.

Be interesting to see what the Team looks like around game 19, when they've developed cohesion on the pitch, in training, and in the locker room.

Frank & his team will know there's still plenty of work to do. Misplaced passes & giving up possession so cheaply has to cost us eventually but it will improve.

We certainly dominated the middle for the most part. Finally, 13 corners & no goal. That is a hell of an improvement.

A massive difference there before we even start talking about the defence.

I never ever imagined I'd say or write Iwobi was Man of the Match. He was immense and has improved under Lampard a 100%.

As Frank says, there's a good atmosphere about the place.
I'm beginning to look forward to the rest of this season.
Hope that hasn't jinxed them!

I notice no positives on your list? You can pick holes in most performances, this was about the result and building momentum.

Things you didn't mention:

Another clean sheet
6 Matches without defeat
Maupay scoring
Same back 4 for 3 matches
Winning without key players
A solid midfield 3

5 of yesterday's team weren't even with us a couple of months ago, it's a big overhaul. We are not playing like Man City but, compared to what Frank inherited, this is a massive improvement, imo.

As Lyndon says, a lack of movement and fluidity from the front 3 is our issue now, as better teams will be harder to break down and we may struggle.

Calvert-Lewin will help but he isn't creative. The midfield and wingers will have to make his chances for him. At least we have some options moving forward.

Yes, we need to fix the goal threat but overall this is a massive improvement on the last few seasons. We have a lot to feel optimistic about so let's just get behind the boys and enjoy the ride.

This takes the pressure off needing to score more goals, something which we have a lot of work to do on.

I see Garner and Calvert-Lewin helping in this regard, as will a fully fit Doucoure and a fully flying Onana.

Still can't understand how Oliver managed to give us three yellows and West Ham one.

The players are not daft – they can see that we have the basis of a very good side taking shape. Dodge injuries and add a couple of the right players in January and I think we can sit back and enjoy the season.

We have plenty of decent players in midfield and defence who can't get a game at the moment. Townsend is not that far off returning, also a player I like, Godfrey, will not be that long in making a return.

Saying that, though, there's going to have to be injuries to the players who are first picks before they can get anywhere near the team.

I'm afraid I struggle to see, so far at least, why people rave about Onana. He looked ponderous on the ball, slow moving, like a cross between Doucoure and Pogba on one of his bad days. At least he looks committed to the cause and presumably he'll improve when he gets a bit more confidence and settles in.

Not that there were no positives. Iwobi continues to amaze me. He must surely now be worth more than we paid for him. Gana has slotted back in nicely. There is quite a player in Gray if Frank can find a way of doing 'an Iwobi' on him.

The defence is dour but looking more cohesive as a unit, except I think Patterson is a little slow to get out to cut crosses, but at least once, that was because Gordon had let the runner go. Maupay may not be a top EPL goal scorer but there are only 3 of those, and his was a well-taken goal. He does at least play at true EPL level, which Rondon doesn't.

It's not great but it is definitely better than it has been in our darker moments these past couple of years. I think Hasselbank on Sky had it about right. He said, you can see Frank is building something and it is easy to spot. More energy, pressing, playing for the shirt, more solidity. I think the formation helps.

Frank will know he is nowhere near as yet where he wants to be and there will be pratfalls along the way but he's started the journey and the process. I hope he gets enough decent results to buy himself the time it's going to need.

Mark #28, I see Onana as anything but ponderous. He has tremendous pace and quickness for a man his size, and like Fellaini a few years ago he is impossible to keep the ball away from. It's true there is zero creativity to his passing, but whether that's a lack of skill or just a conservative mindset will be determined over time. However, I love his intensity and commitment and I see possible greatness there. And I completely agree with your perspective on Lampard.

He obviously has the power but has taken little recovery breaks here and there – noticed again yesterday, him doing the bend forward and breathe thing at stoppages a couple of times. More to come there I believe.

We are not the finished article, far from it. There is however a sense of direction which is so welcome after the scattergun years.

I see a player who is really pushing himself not only physically but demanding more focus and being tuned in mentally. Frank after he arrived had a few one to ones with Alex that have helped him no end.

Huge credit goes to both of them for the improvement and even more so for the consistency.

The Hammers game wasn't cut and dried given our great performance against RS and the Hammers who were active in mid-week but seemed just as keen to get the result.

Any win is welcome even if it is 1-0 but the overall performance of the team is a lot better these days compared to most of last season.

Frank has got very capable defenders and amazingly only Brighton have conceded fewer goals.

Of course you have to ride your luck sometimes but it is good to see we are getting some when needed.

This game could have swung either way and scoring first was a big plus for the Blues.

With a few coming back from injury things should only get better but I don't want to speak too soon.

There is still a lot to iron out but I am optimistic we have turned the corner since the first two games.

There have been times over recent years when wins felt like a surprise, and seemed to cause more frustration as a contrast with the spiritless, lost feel of the dross in between.

There really has been little cohesion for a long time, just soulless, perfunctory offerings for too long.

Much as we are struggling to score, we can see tangible reasons for it, which will improve soon. The rest is much better. A basis to build on is back, at last.

I think the problem isn't with Onana's passing I believe it's the lack of movement in front of the midfielders. Iwobi can see a pass, I belive Onana can too.

I think it's just about the team gelling. As I've said, it will take time for basically a full new defence & midfield, plus Maupay is new, to all get it together.

But Mike isn't it a massive turnaround to be looking at players and a team thinking they can and will get better? Rather than the previous years, when we had players going backwards in their careers?

We actually have players that have a desire to improve. Patterson, Mykolenko, Onana, Gordon, all with years ahead to improve. Add to that the Gana, Tarkowski and Coady and the blend is looking good.

We have won yesterday without Godfrey, Pickford, Calvert-Lewin, Allan, Townsend, who imo would have an impact over the course of a season.

If this season is about consolidation and building a base to go forward from, I'm optimistic for the future under Frank.

There is a simple explanation for all of those incidents: they are human, and anyone who has kicked a ball either at amateur or professional level has been guilty of the same sin.

David #35, yes, it is a massive turnaround and it feels really good! With regards to Onana's passing, I've yet to see him look up as Gana and Iowbi do.

The scouting report on him from Lille was that, although aggressive on the dribble and running to goal, he was an extremely conservative passer, short one-touch stuff, no through balls or long diagonal passes in his quiver.

That's what I have observed in his first few games here. He's 21 and has only 60 senior games, and being able to look up and pick a killer pass is an acquired skill. Gana had to learn it. Let's see how Onana matures in that area.

Bollox if Gordon can't or won't get us to the next level, same with Gray or Iwobi.

This league is unforgiving. Give Garner a run and strengthen in January or until there is no Prima Donna bullshit (Gordon). We can't afford to hold back Everton Utopia.

To be clear, I'm far from writing him off. Too many people and clubs have been tracking him for that. There must be some serious talent there. But I've not seen it.

As you say, low creativity (zero might be too harsh) and if he's quick, I didn't see it, he lopes around. Compared to Iwobi, who constantly finds space, he doesn't.

You mention Fellaini and there is something about him in that regard, obviously the physique, but I also saw second half him playing a Fellaini-type role, further up the pitch, winning headers etc. But we all know Fellaini's shortcomings in midfield and how he slowed our transition.

I have to believe there is more to Onana than that, if only because he comes with a serious reputation. With luck, we will see it blossom. As you say, he seems to have a good attitude.

Dwight McNeil has to do what Ryan Giggs or even George Best did and at least against a brick wall or with a trainer get better and better with the other foot. Just saying.

Mark #39, the quickness I mentioned in Onana is in 4-5 yards. He seems to be out of position for an interception or tackle, and the next second he's made it and won the ball. He's got 17 tackles and 7 interceptions in less than 400 minutes, which is really impressive. He has quick feet on the end of those loooong legs. I just hope Gana can teach him not to leave those feet quite so often.

By the way, did you know Patterson is second in the Premier League in tackles? That's impressive.

It was a good tough game for the midfield and defense to get under their belt. We were sloppy at times but that's understandable.

One thing which I hope we can build on is goals and attacking threat. Mykolenko can improve going forward, Iwobi with his shooting and Gordon and Gray need to be more clinical to get us up to that next level.

I have confidence in the coaching staff and, as this side evolves, that can happen. Most players under this coaching staff have improved in one way or another.

Special mentions for Maupay who led the line like a top-class Premier League forward. I enjoyed the way he also dropped into midfield to add an extra man when needed, a very fluid performance all round.

And of course Iwobi who is a huge fan favourite and I'm all for it, looks like a really nice fella and deserves the adoration.

Onana seems to really get it, he stood in front of the Park End at one point yesterday to rally the support and then found time to applaud the raucous response.

We have a team of players who are playing for each other, the manager and the fans. There is a wave of self-belief that we need to ride and maintain.

Looking much, much more positive.

UTFT

Been very impressed with Patterson. Far from the finished article but he is still so young. I think he has what it takes at this level.

Wishful thinking perhaps but at ٣M for starters, maybe a modern-day Coleman? Spiky character as well for a young guy.

It's like a skyscraper, the most important parts are deep underground, parts one can't see, the foundations. Yet they are the hardest and most complex part of any building project.

Building a team is no different. It's what some previous managers failed to grasp. Trying to play nice football with a shite defence, is like trying to build a skyscraper in the sand.

A wise man, your father.

I was under the impression he was box-to-box and could supply the front men. It's something we will enjoy developing over the next few years.

Things are looking up.

Yes, there is, for the first time in several seasons, a plan and strategy with regards to recruitment. So well done Everton and the current management team.

It's started at the back. Two young full-backs full of potential alongside two experienced centre-backs who direct and lead as well as defend. When all fit, I don't see Keane, Holgate or Mina getting a starting berth if those 2 are fit except for rotation and (hopefully not) injury.

A good call on giving Coady the captain's arm band. If I may, I'd like to have my "told you so" moment. I called Coady out 2 years or so ago as someone we should have looked at!!

Also despite the financial restrictions, managing to sort out the midfield with a blend of young potential and an experienced player with Champion's League experience who has played with some of Europe's (if not the World's) best players.

Alongside a considerably improved player that many had written off. I won't have my 2nd "told you so" moment, as I too was undecided on Iwobi. But along with the minority here, I did often say that I could see a player there.

Yes, next step is to add to the forward options. But so far, this team and squad seems to be taking shape.

On the West Ham match, one thing about the crosses and delivery. On more than a few occasions, we had players waiting to connect, Onana in particular. I just observed that West Ham were very good at defending set-pieces. Credit to the opposition where due. We defended equally as well though. Close match between 2 closely matched teams. That says a lot after last season.

Although he was alright to carry on, I'd be worrying about him getting a serious knee injury in the future, if his clean tackle, ends up becoming a block tackle, when most of his body strength will be on the wrong side.

From the clips I'd seen of him, his tackling technique made me think he was likely to pick up injuries, particularly in this league which is more physical than he is used to. Also, I think he is liable to pick up cards, unless he times it just right.

Both of these can cause problems for the squad if they lead to him missing crucial games. Hopefully coaching and experience can channel his energy without losing any of his effectiveness.

Although not having his best game I was surprised Lampard made Gordon his first substitution, I thought it would have been Onana as the game seemed to be passing him by. Obviously it will take the lad a while to get used to the pace of the Premier League which I am sure he will.

I still have the same concern with this team as I had last season: we don't look like a side that is capable of scoring a lot of goals. We look okay till we get within 10 yards of the opponent's box and then seem to run out of ideas.

When we do attack, you very rarely see any of our midfield players in the opponent's box, and I have yet to see any of our midfielders run past our strikers. Despite having a fair amount of possession I think, other than the goal, I can only remember another shot on target when Fabianski saved from Gray.

The one thing I hoped that Lampard would introduce was more attacking options but so far that hasn't been the case.

However, I see green shoots in this team. Defence looks solid and we at last have a couple of leaders and organisers on the pitch coupled with young hungry players.

Some players such as Iwobi and Mykolenko are actually showing signs of improvement. Usually players at Everton start okay and regress. Something going right at last.

Unlike so many on here, I know feck all about the game at Premier League level, only ever having played in the Anfield Junior League or whatever it was called in the '50s!!

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2022/09/19/everton-loanee-jarrad-branthwaite-hailed-after-goal-in-psv-derby-win-v-feyenoord/

As I said to Chris (thank you by the way, Chris!), it was always going to be a great chance for him in my opinion. With Mina seemingly on his way out and not being able to stay fit (shame), let's see him come home a more experienced player to complement our now much stronger-looking defensive options.

Tarkowski reminds me of Pat van den Hauwe, the way he is always first there protecting our players at any incident, and we have not had anybody like that since the legend that is Psycho Pat.

He was adjusting to a new role on Sunday due to Gana Gueye's arrival and IMO he was carrying a knock or two.

Once that MF gets settled watch him go.