Everton supporters tend to pessimism, they don’t expect the worst, but they are not surprised when they stumble.
It’s early in Frank Lampard’s tenure, but based on three outings Lampard may have the ability to life Everton up quickly.
Whatever Lampard and the rest of his boot-room team told the Everton Players after Tuesday’s disjointed collapse in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle, worked well, really well.
Lampard was pleased, he told the BBC after the match,
"It was an incredible afternoon. What we did today was something special in terms of the performance. It showed an attitude, aggression and work-rate," Lampard told BBC Sport.
"I can see the talent. Individually you go through the team and there's ability in there. It was about being a strong unit and fighting for the fans.
"The fans would have enjoyed it - I certainly did. We need to use it for a base for where we want to go in the league.
"Relief is three points and the table looks slightly better this week but I'm just so proud of the performance. That has made me really happy."
The Toffees got in Leeds’ faces from the kickoff and never let off as the Old Lady roared it’s appreciation. Everton flew out of blocks on Saturday afternoon with a hungry Goodison Park in full voice. Seamus Coleman, a talisman, if there ever was one, opened the scoring with a diving header just 10 minutes into the match.
Michael Keane rose well, majestically, to power home Anthony Gordon’s corner. Is it too early to stop calling him a youngster, or to mention him for full England honours? More on the Everton-born player later.
Gordon scored Everton’s third goal as he deflected a drive from Richarlison into the net.
Starting his first match since William and Mary sat on the throne of England, the on-loan Donny Van De Beck sitting alongside Allen ran the Everton midfield almost without fault. If he continues with this kind of form, there will be an attempt by Everton to prise him away from Manchester United.
It was a solid performance by Everton Players who often fall afoul of abuse from their own supporters. Jonjoe Kenny and Alex Iwobi were solid, worked hard and never shirked from their duty.
Dele Alli came on as substitute and picked out Salomón Rondón with a beautiful chip, and it looked like Rondon had hit the volley welll, but Leeds’ ‘keeper Illan Meslier the tipped it away.
As they say it’s early yet, but in two matches Goodison Park, it looks like the Old Lady is getting her bark back. And remember, the Blues are without Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey, and Is Abdoulaye Doucoure, strong components in the middle of the pitch.
Evertonians know not to get too overexcited, but perhaps the time is right.