Everton 3-1 Southampton
by James Nalton

RAFA BENITEZ secured a welcome first win as Everton manager thanks to an impressive second-half showing from his team.

All eyes were on the former Liverpool boss as he took charge of his first game at Goodison Park.

That the win was manufactured by his half-time changes will provide encouragement for the fans — maybe even for some of those sceptical about his appointment.

The home stadium erupted at various moments before kick-off but no more so than when the players emerged from the tunnel.

The Z-Cars theme added to the volume as it piped into packed stands for the first time in around 17 months.

But where was the new manager? And given his history with Everton’s local rivals, what would his reception be like?

With the players already out on the pitch, Benitez was given a separate introduction by the stadium announcer. It was something of a relief that he was met with applause and a number of cheers.

Everton controlled the opening stages but that was all for nothing when Michael Keane was caught on the ball by Che Adams.

Adams fed debutant Adam Armstrong who finished convincingly past Jordan Pickford.

A smattering of boos at halftime were much less audible than the cheers had been prior to kick-off, but they were there.

The good early work had been undone by that one error, and the new manager had a task on his hands to turn things around.

It was refreshing to see an Everton boss with a plan to do so, though even Benitez might not have expected it to work so quickly.

Demarai Gray had played through the middle supporting Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the first half, with Richarlison on the left, but their roles were switched for the second period.

The Brazilian, a more natural goalscorer than Gray, was on hand to pounce when Andros Townsend headed back into the box following a corner. Everton were level with just a minute or so of the second half played.

The other change was more subtle, switching Keane and Holgate’s centre back positions so the latter was now on the left.

Whatever the reasons behind this defensive tweak, the pair did look more comfortable in the second period, although this is still an area in which Everton need to improve.

The goal that saw them take the lead was a moment of magic from Olivier Doucoure. Impressive substitute Alex Iwobi nodded the ball back to the Frenchman on the edge of the area, but he still had plenty to do.

Doucoure took a couple of touches as he pirouetted into a position that made a shot his only option. His finish into the top corner was enough to escape the considerable frame of Alex McCarthy in the Southampton goal.

Iwobi was involved again, linking up with Richarlison down the right before the Brazilian crossed for Calvert-Lewin who dove to head home the third and secure the win.

Iwobi had a chance to make it four late on after being set free on the break by Man of the Match Richarlison, but his shot was saved by McCarthy.

By this time it was job done, though, and Benitez couldn’t have hoped for a better start at his new Liverpool home.