Everton fans were annoyed after Benitez withdrew Gordon v Watford
Everton fans left Goodison Park disappointed on Saturday after watching their side suffer a 5-2 mauling at the hands of Watford.
Both sides had 50% possession each, but it was the visitors that dominated despite trailing twice, registering eight shots on target compared to the hosts’ four.
Rafa Benitez was outwitted by Claudio Rainieri, and the fans turned on him the moment he withdrew Anthony Gordon with 30 minutes left to play.
According to The Athletic journalist Michael Cox, the supporters at the ground were not pleased with the tactical decision of the Everton manager.
He wrote on their website: “Arguably the most significant moment here was the sheer anger from around Goodison Park when Benitez substituted Gordon.
“That wasn’t the sign of a manager who has the support of the crowd, nor was the sheer volume of home fans who departed after Watford’s third, with their side only one goal behind, and 10 minutes remaining in a game that surely had more goals in it.”
Ominous?
Benitez was not a popular choice among Everton fans when it emerged that he was going to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, and yesterday’s reaction has made that very clear.
Richarlison came on in place of the youngster and scored three minutes later, putting his side ahead, and the decision would have felt justified, but the final 12 minutes of the clash proved disastrous, with Watford running riot and scoring four times.
Gordon would likely not have been able to save the day had he remained on the pitch till the end, but he was doing well and the fans did not see the need to haul him off as the side sought a goal.
Benitez is always going to make the changes he deems fit whether the fans would love it or not, but he needs to start winning games again following the back-to-back losses if he wants to get them back on his side as quick as possible.
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