Back to the Everton Newsfeed

MARTIN KEOWN: Rafa Benitez has got Everton up and running rapidly despite fan backlash... the Spaniard's attacking Toffees team could pick-apart Leeds' vulnerable defence

Many Everton fans were unhappy when Rafa Benitez was appointed but on the evidence of his first game, this could be a perfect marriage.

At this time of his career, he needs Everton as much as they need him. He set the team up to attack, was kicking every ball and didn’t panic when they went 1-0 down.

He set up with Richarlison on the left, Andros Townsend on the right and Demarai Gray central in a floating role. Benitez pushed his full backs high, played with lots of width and instructed Gray, Townsend and Richarlison to get crosses in.