Pundit Phil Thompson has detailed his shock in the vast spectrum of emotions expressed by Everton fans before, during and after the Toffees’ 3-1 opening day win against Southampton.
Appointing the ex-Liverpool boss following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti was tinged with controversy given his affiliation with the Toffees’ arch-rivals.
Going into half-time a goal down thanks to an organisational error at the back would only add further consternation into the mix in the minds of fans and could have served as the first symptom of shakiness under Rafa Benitez’ tenure.
By contrast, the second half was nothing short of redemptive for the Toffees.
Everton had equalised after barely walking back out from the tunnel with Richarlison scoring from point-blank range after some superb predatorial play from summer signing Andros Townsend.
Later on, a superb individual effort from Abdoulaye Doucoure and a fine header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin would ensure all three points were comfortably wrapped up in front of a home crowd in a turbulent emotional rollercoaster for fans.
Ex-Liverpool defender Thompson, speaking on the Where’s Jeff? podcast [19/08/21], has poked fun at the turnaround in fan opinion following the dramatic result.
As transcribed by Goodison News, the ex-Reds man claimed:
“It was ‘Rafa out’ on social media at quarter to four, and at five it was ‘Rafa is king’ and ‘give him more money to spend’.
“Oh my goodness, the change in the attitudes was just astonishing.
“It’s amazing what a couple of goals can do.”
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Thompson’s comments are far from amiss given the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton.
Fans are perfectly entitled to be transported with the ebb and flow of concern and optimism surrounding Benitez, and should feel no shame if the result partially or wholly changed tunes on the new Blues boss.
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