oddschecker test the new manager bounce theory by looking at how new arrivals since the start of the Premier League season have fared in their first game.
New manager bounce at Everton
Frank Lampard should take confidence from recent history as he prepares for his first Premier League match in charge of Everton away at Newcastle.
In replacing Rafael Benitez just over a week ago, he became the eighth new manager in the Premier League since the start of the season. Of the other seven, only Claudio Ranieri lost his opening league game in charge. So, is the new manager bounce theory alive and kicking?
Opening results for new managers this season:
- Claudio Ranieri - Lost 0-5 (WATFORD vs Liverpool)
- Antonio Conte - Drew 0-0 (Everton vs SPURS)
- Eddie Howe - Drew 3-3 (NEWCASTLE vs Brentford)
- Steven Gerrard - Won 2-0 (VILLA vs Brighton)
- Dean Smith - Won 2-1 (NORWICH vs Southampton)
- Ralf Rangnick - Won 1-0 (MAN UNITED vs Palace)
- Roy Hodgson - Drew 0-0 (Burnley vs WATFORD)
What stands out among these results is that four of the seven new managers secured a clean sheet in their first Premier League match, suggesting Lampard might err on the side of defensive caution in tonight’s match at Newcastle. Everton-Draw Double Chance is best price 6/11 on oddschecker.
And should they put up a strong defensive showing, he will be confident in his side’s ability to score goals at the other end – the Toffees impressed going forward in the 4-1 FA Cup win over Brentford.
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Calvert-Lewin returns but Godfrey misses out
It should also be noted that last weekend’s four-goal showing came without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who Lampard confirmed has been back in training over the last few days.
The 24-year-old, who has four goals in just 11 caps for England, started the season in fine form for Everton, scoring in his first three league games of the season before four months on the treatment table with toe and quadricep problems.
The team news for Lampard’s first match was mixed, however, as Ben Godfrey is reportedly out for four to five weeks with a hamstring injury he picked up in the win over Brentford.
