ESPN journalist mocks Don Hutchison after Everton hero changes mind about Benitez
Everton proved themselves at Old Trafford on Saturday, holding Manchester United to a 1-1 draw despite being without some of their key players.
Andros Townsend’s third Premier League goal of the season cancelled out Anthony Martial’s opener, and the Toffees were close to getting a winner, only for Yerry Mina’s last-gasp goal to be rightly struck out for offside.
Don Hutchison was pleased with the display Rafa Benitez’s men put on against Man Utd, commending their efforts on his personal Twitter account.
He said: “Brilliant that from Everton. I’ve seen more grit and determination in the 1st part of this season than the whole of last season.”
ESPN journalist Dan Thomas was quick to remind the former Blues star of his prediction back in August.
He replied: “You said it would end in tears.”
Hutchison saw the funny side, replying: “It will in 7 years time.”
The internet never forgets
At the time, the ex-Toffees man was asked by Chris Sutton on BBC 5 Live Sport whether he thinks appointing the former Reds boss was a catastrophic call.
Hutchison said: “In all honesty, I think it ends in tears and I don’t know when. I don’t know how early or how long because it might not be a Rafa Benitez Everton-Liverpool scenario.
“It might just be a scenario where you think, right, Everton want to be in the top six, but they are competing with a top-four who we think is going to be Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
“The task to get Everton into the top-six is a hard one. The signings are good ones, but how does he get this club into the top six this season? I think that is a massive ask.”
Benitez’s side have blown everyone away with their form so far, and Hutchison was too quick to judge.
It is still early days, but holding Man Utd to a draw without Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin speaks volumes.
They lost 3-0 to Aston Villa and got dumped out of the League Cup by Queens Park Rangers, but nothing can be taken away from this team.
The Blues have always given their best under the Spaniard, and there will likely be more highs than lows going forward.
No one knows exactly how this journey will end, but even the fans that never gave Benitez a chance when he first arrived are starting to get converted.
They are playing some amazing and eye-catching football, and if they should continue this way, they would very much remain in strong contention for a top-six finish.
Rafa was not able to strengthen his squad to his taste in the summer, and with James Rodriguez gone, more quality additions could be on the way.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are in hunt for new coach after exit left void in key behind-the-scenes area.
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