Manager Frank Lampard described Everton’s performance as “special” as he claimed his first Premier League win with his new club in a dominant victory against Leeds United.
The win means the Toffees are now five points clear of the relegation zone after ending a run of six league games without a victory.
Goodison Park was rocking at full time and Lampard’s name was chanted around the stadium throughout the second half as they cruised to victory.
“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.”
Captain Seamus Coleman was the unlikely scorer of the opener, tapping in a rebound from Donny van de Beek’s cross, before Michael Keane’s thumping header made it 2-0 early on.
Anthony Gordon then added a third in the second half as Everton, who had 21 shots on goal, looked lively with the return of Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack.
Van de Beek was handed a first Everton start and was heavily involved, particularly in the first half, as Leeds struggled to gain momentum.
Leeds rarely tested goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but Rodrigo almost produced two moments of magic when long-range efforts crashed off the crossbar in the first half.
In the end, it was comfortable for Everton, who moved to within a point of 15th-placed Leeds after keeping a first clean sheet in 13 matches.
Everton show fight in much-needed victory
The pressure was on Everton to deliver after a dreadful run of form – and Lampard’s side showed intensity from the first minute.
Gordon almost made it 1-0 within seconds of kick-off, only to be denied by an excellent last-ditch block from Luke Ayling.
The hosts were well on top in the early stages too, with the Goodison crowd in fine voice as Leeds were put under pressure.
Coleman’s passionate celebration – a roar towards the home fans, a badge clutch and a kiss for Richarlison on the cheek – showed how much it meant for the captain to put his side in the lead.
Everton maintained their intensity after that and big tackles from Mason Holgate and Iwobi were appreciated by supporters, before Richarlison received a big cheer for his work in winning the corner which led to the second goal.
Leeds carried a threat in patches – Rodrigo’s stunning efforts hitting the crossbar twice, while Jack Harrison struck wide and Daniel James was almost played in behind on one or two occasions.
But Everton were good value for their victory – a first in the Premier League under new boss Lampard, and in 2022.
The Blues boss applauded the Goodison Park faithful as they chanted his name shortly after Gordon had helped steer Richarlison’s strike into the bottom corner for Everton’s third goal.
They were almost given a fourth goal to celebrate too but Salomon Rondon’s strike was expertly tipped over the bar by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier.
Everton’s 21 shots was their most in 78 Premier League games, since having 22 against Newcastle in December 2019.
Meanwhile, Leeds’ manager Marcelo Bielsa has another injury concern to contend with as Stuart Dallas was forced off within seven minutes.
With Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham coming up in their next three fixtures, Bielsa will hope the injury is not serious.
Player of the match
van de BeekDonny van de Beek
with an average of 7.97
Everton
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Squad number30Player namevan de Beek
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Squad number24Player nameGordon
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Squad number36Player nameAlli
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Squad number23Player nameColeman
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Squad number7Player nameRicharlison
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Squad number9Player nameCalvert-Lewin
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Squad number5Player nameKeane
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Squad number6Player nameAllan
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Squad number34Player nameEl Ghazi
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Squad number17Player nameIwobi
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Squad number33Player nameRondón
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Squad number2Player nameKenny
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Squad number4Player nameHolgate
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Squad number1Player namePickford
Leeds United
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Squad number19Player nameRodrigo
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Squad number20Player nameJames
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Squad number1Player nameMeslier
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Squad number15Player nameDallas
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Squad number21Player nameStruijk
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Squad number14Player nameLlorente
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Squad number33Player nameHjelde
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Squad number22Player nameHarrison
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Squad number5Player nameKoch
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Squad number2Player nameAyling
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Squad number10Player nameRaphinha
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Squad number43Player nameKlich
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Squad number4Player nameForshaw
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Squad number11Player nameRoberts
Line-ups
Everton
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Pickford
- 23Coleman
- 4Holgate
- 5Keane
- 2Kenny
- 24GordonSubstituted forEl Ghaziat 81′minutes
- 6Allan
- 30van de Beek
- 17IwobiBooked at 74mins
- 9Calvert-LewinSubstituted forAlliat 72′minutes
- 7RicharlisonSubstituted forRondónat 86′minutes
Substitutes
- 3Patterson
- 14Townsend
- 15Begovic
- 20Tosun
- 21André Gomes
- 32Branthwaite
- 33Rondón
- 34El Ghazi
- 36Alli
Leeds
Formation 3-3-3-1
- 1Meslier
- 5Koch
- 14Llorente
- 21Struijk
- 15DallasSubstituted forHjeldeat 9′minutes
- 43KlichSubstituted forForshawat 45′minutes
- 19Rodrigo
- 2Ayling
- 22Harrison
- 10RaphinhaSubstituted forRobertsat 45′minutes
- 20JamesBooked at 29mins
Substitutes
- 4Forshaw
- 11Roberts
- 13Klaesson
- 26Bate
- 30Gelhardt
- 33Hjelde
- 38Summerville
- 46Shackleton
- 54Kenneh
- Referee:
- Graham Scott
- Attendance:
- 39,150
Live Text
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Match ends, Everton 3, Leeds United 0.
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Second Half ends, Everton 3, Leeds United 0.
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Corner, Everton. Conceded by Daniel James.
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Corner, Everton. Conceded by Illan Meslier.
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Attempt saved. Salomón Rondón (Everton) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Dele Alli with a through ball.
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Luke Ayling (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Dele Alli (Everton).
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Substitution, Everton. Salomón Rondón replaces Richarlison.
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Attempt missed. Dele Alli (Everton) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Alexander Iwobi.
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Substitution, Everton. Anwar El Ghazi replaces Anthony Gordon.
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Jack Harrison (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Foul by Jonjoe Kenny (Everton).
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Goal! Everton 3, Leeds United 0. Anthony Gordon (Everton) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Richarlison.
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Attempt blocked. Richarlison (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Allan.
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Alexander Iwobi (Everton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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Attempt blocked. Alexander Iwobi (Everton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jonjoe Kenny.
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Attempt blocked. Jonjoe Kenny (Everton) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Dele Alli.
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Attempt blocked. Alexander Iwobi (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Anthony Gordon.
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Substitution, Everton. Dele Alli replaces Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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Attempt missed. Rodrigo (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Pascal Struijk.
Seamus Coleman ended a run of 79 Everton appearances without a goal in all competitionsManager Frank Lampard described Everton’s performance as “special” as he claimed his first Premier League win with his new club in a dominant victory against Leeds United.The win means the Toffees are now five points clear of the relegation zone after ending a run of six league games without a victory.Goodison Park was rocking at full time and Lampard’s name was chanted around the stadium throughout the second half as they cruised to victory.”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.”Captain Seamus Coleman was the unlikely scorer of the opener, tapping in a rebound from Donny van de Beek’s cross, before Michael Keane’s thumping header made it 2-0 early on.Anthony Gordon then added a third in the second half as Everton, who had 21 shots on goal, looked lively with the return of Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack.Van de Beek was handed a first Everton start and was heavily involved, particularly in the first half, as Leeds struggled to gain momentum. Leeds rarely tested goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but Rodrigo almost produced two moments of magic when long-range efforts crashed off the crossbar in the first half.In the end, it was comfortable for Everton, who moved to within a point of 15th-placed Leeds after keeping a first clean sheet in 13 matches.Follow Saturday’s Premier League liveVisit our Everton pageVisit our Leeds United pageEverton show fight in much-needed victoryEverton’s performance over Leeds was ‘something special’ – LampardThe pressure was on Everton to deliver after a dreadful run of form – and Lampard’s side showed intensity from the first minute.Gordon almost made it 1-0 within seconds of kick-off, only to be denied by an excellent last-ditch block from Luke Ayling.The hosts were well on top in the early stages too, with the Goodison crowd in fine voice as Leeds were put under pressure.Coleman’s passionate celebration – a roar towards the home fans, a badge clutch and a kiss for Richarlison on the cheek – showed how much it meant for the captain to put his side in the lead.Everton maintained their intensity after that and big tackles from Mason Holgate and Iwobi were appreciated by supporters, before Richarlison received a big cheer for his work in winning the corner which led to the second goal.Leeds carried a threat in patches – Rodrigo’s stunning efforts hitting the crossbar twice, while Jack Harrison struck wide and Daniel James was almost played in behind on one or two occasions.But Everton were good value for their victory – a first in the Premier League under new boss Lampard, and in 2022.Defeat at Everton was a fair result – BielsaThe Blues boss applauded the Goodison Park faithful as they chanted his name shortly after Gordon had helped steer Richarlison’s strike into the bottom corner for Everton’s third goal.They were almost given a fourth goal to celebrate too but Salomon Rondon’s strike was expertly tipped over the bar by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier.Everton’s 21 shots was their most in 78 Premier League games, since having 22 against Newcastle in December 2019.Meanwhile, Leeds’ manager Marcelo Bielsa has another injury concern to contend with as Stuart Dallas was forced off within seven minutes. With Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham coming up in their next three fixtures, Bielsa will hope the injury is not serious.Player of the matchvan de BeekDonny van de Beekwith an average of 7.97EvertonSquad number30Player namevan de BeekSquad number24Player nameGordonSquad number36Player nameAlliSquad number23Player nameColemanSquad number7Player nameRicharlisonSquad number9Player nameCalvert-LewinSquad number5Player nameKeaneSquad number6Player nameAllanSquad number34Player nameEl GhaziSquad number17Player nameIwobiSquad number33Player nameRondónSquad number2Player nameKennySquad number4Player nameHolgateSquad number1Player namePickfordLeeds UnitedSquad number19Player nameRodrigoSquad number20Player nameJamesSquad number1Player nameMeslierSquad number15Player nameDallasSquad number21Player nameStruijkSquad number14Player nameLlorenteSquad number33Player nameHjeldeSquad number22Player nameHarrisonSquad number5Player nameKochSquad number2Player nameAylingSquad number10Player nameRaphinhaSquad number43Player nameKlichSquad number4Player nameForshawSquad number11Player nameRobertsLine-upsEvertonFormation 4-4-21Pickford23Coleman4Holgate5Keane2Kenny24Gordon6Allan30van de Beek17Iwobi9Calvert-Lewin7Richarlison1Pickford23Coleman4Holgate5Keane2Kenny24GordonSubstituted forEl Ghaziat 81’minutes6Allan30van de Beek17IwobiBooked at 74mins9Calvert-LewinSubstituted forAlliat 72’minutes7RicharlisonSubstituted forRondónat 86’minutesSubstitutes3Patterson14Townsend15Begovic20Tosun21André Gomes32Branthwaite33Rondón34El Ghazi36AlliLeedsFormation 3-3-3-11Meslier14Llorente5Koch21Struijk2Ayling43Klich15Dallas10Raphinha19Rodrigo22Harrison20James1Meslier5Koch14Llorente21Struijk15DallasSubstituted forHjeldeat 9’minutes43KlichSubstituted forForshawat 45’minutes19Rodrigo2Ayling22Harrison10RaphinhaSubstituted forRobertsat 45’minutes20JamesBooked at 29minsSubstitutes4Forshaw11Roberts13Klaesson26Bate30Gelhardt33Hjelde38Summerville46Shackleton54KennehReferee:Graham ScottAttendance:39,150Live TextMatch ends, Everton 3, Leeds United 0.Second Half ends, Everton 3, Leeds United 0.Corner, Everton. Conceded by Daniel James.Corner, Everton. Conceded by Illan Meslier.Attempt saved. Salomón Rondón (Everton) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Dele Alli with a through ball.Luke Ayling (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.Foul by Dele Alli (Everton).Substitution, Everton. Salomón Rondón replaces Richarlison.Attempt missed. Dele Alli (Everton) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Alexander Iwobi.Substitution, Everton. Anwar El Ghazi replaces Anthony Gordon.Jack Harrison (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.Foul by Jonjoe Kenny (Everton).Goal! Everton 3, Leeds United 0. Anthony Gordon (Everton) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Richarlison.Attempt blocked. Richarlison (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Allan.Alexander Iwobi (Everton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.Attempt blocked. Alexander Iwobi (Everton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jonjoe Kenny.Attempt blocked. Jonjoe Kenny (Everton) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Dele Alli.Attempt blocked. Alexander Iwobi (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Anthony Gordon.Substitution, Everton. Dele Alli replaces Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Attempt missed. Rodrigo (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Pascal Struijk.