Early crosses and increasing the intensity - how Rafa Benitez masterminded Everton’s 3-1 win over Southampton

Heading back into the half-time tunnel to the sound of sporadic boos would not have been how Rafa Benitez envisaged his maiden game as Everton manager panning out.

Already under pressure from sections of supporters due to his history with the club across Stanley Park - having called the Toffees a “small club” when he was Liverpool boss - the Spaniard witnessed a lacklustre showing in the opening 45 minutes.

But come the final whistle, Goodison Park was a joyous, fervent place on its return to full capacity.

Second-half goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ensured the Blues fought back from one goal down to start the 2021-22 Premier League season with a stylish 3-1 win.

Benitez’s renowned astuteness came to the fore, keeping a cool head at the break to ensure Everton clinched three points.

We break down the Everton boss’ tactics throughout his first game in charge.

Early crosses

Everton were well below par in the first half. Despite seeing a lot of the ball, they lacked someone with the sort of inventiveness to pick the killer pass required to carve through Southampton.

However, Andros Towsend could, at least, take heart from his display in the opening 45 minutes.

The winger’s arrival from Crystal Palace didn’t exactly get supporters excited at the time, but his Blues bow proved why Benitez has brought him to Goodison.

Townsend looked to get the ball into the box as early as possible, whipping in several dangerous crosses that were inviting an Everton player to connect with.

Calvert-Lewin would have been disappointed he didn’t successfully meet any of Townsend’s wicked deliveries.

But when Richarlison put a swift ball into the box in the 81st minute, the England international stooped low to head home and put the gloss on the win.

In future games, you’d expect Calvert-Lewin to be able to read Townsend’s crosses better and it could prove a fruitful partnership.

Speeding things up

Benitez would have rued the intensity and pace Everton played at in the first half.

The Blues were too slow on the ball and, in truth, it’s why Michael Keane was pilfered of possession by Che Adams, who then gifted Adam Armstrong Southampton’s opener.

But in the second period, Everton were far better. The ball went forward quicker, while there was more purchase on passes that ensured gaps were created in Southampton’s rearguard.

Forward-thinking Doucoure

Ahead of the game, Doucoure admitted he’d held talks with Benitez about getting into attacking areas more frequently.

Those discussions paid off, with the ex-Watford midfielder proving the match-winner.

In the first period, Doucoure was getting further forward than midfield partner Allan, although he couldn’t have the desired effect needed. There was no bursting run to break the Saints back-line that Everton were crying out for.

However, the 28-year-old bossed the middle of the park after the interval. He took a leading role, was braver when it came to his attacking positions and bagged a deserved goal.

In the 76th minute, Doucoure did well to be patient when he collected the ball on the edge of the box. He waited for his opening before lashing home an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Wild celebrations ensued, with several supporters invading the pitch to celebrate with the Frenchman.

Switching Gray out wide

It came as something of a surprise that Richarlison started the game on the left flank rather than Demarai Gray.

And, to be frank, it was a plan that was foiled by Southampton.

Gray struggled in a central role - although he helped with a couple of overloads on the right - while Richarlison couldn’t offer the same threat on the flank.

When the pair switched roles in the second period, it increased Everton’s attacking threat markedly.

Gray looked much more at home out wide, where he was able to stretch his legs and display his fearsome pace.

The switch also allowed Richarlison to have his free role in the centre, where he could get involved more. It yielded a goal and an assist for the Brazilian.