Rafa Benitez makes Goodison Park crowd admission fans will love after Everton’s 3-1 win over Burnley

Michael Keane, Andros Towsend and Abdoulaye Doucoure were on target for the Toffees.
Manager Rafa Benitez celebrates Everton’s victory over Burnley with Abdoulaye Doucoure. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesManager Rafa Benitez celebrates Everton’s victory over Burnley with Abdoulaye Doucoure. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Manager Rafa Benitez celebrates Everton’s victory over Burnley with Abdoulaye Doucoure. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Rafa Benitez hailed the blossoming connection between his Everton team and their fans after a comeback victory against Burnley to maintain their unbeaten start in the Premier League.

The Toffees delivered a 3-1 win on Monday night and moved back to joint-top of the table.

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Ben Mee had given the visitors the lead with a 53rd-minute header.

But three goals in six minutes through Michael Keane, Andros Towsend and Abdoulaye Doucoure had Goodison Park in raptures.

Benitez told the club’s website: “I am really pleased with the connection between the team and the fans and we are looking to build a fortress here.

“I think what the fans want is a team that gives everything and they can see that every day.

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"The players of last year, maybe they were not performing at the level, now they are giving everything and the fans appreciate that. I think that is the way to move forward.

Demarai Gray celebrates his goal in Everton’s defeat of Burnley. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesDemarai Gray celebrates his goal in Everton’s defeat of Burnley. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Demarai Gray celebrates his goal in Everton’s defeat of Burnley. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

“What I told the players in the dressing room is we have done nothing yet.

“We are at the beginning, we have to improve so many things but we are really pleased because everybody is trying to do their best."

Wing wizards

Townsend and Gray - signed for a combined £1.7 million from Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen respectively during the summer - were again at the heart of Everton’s win.

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The former put Keane’s header on a plate before rifling home an unstoppable long-range effort.

Then fellow winger Gray rounded off the triumph with his third goal in as many games.

Benitez added: ““Both Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have quality and are good pros. They are keen to learn, even Andros at his age.

“The main thing in this team, everyone said we needed wingers.

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“Today, Richarlison did a great job [as centre-forward] also and the two wingers helped the striker do better.

“When I decided Andros could be an important player for us, I was convinced.

“He is a professional and keen to learn and we have a group of players who want to improve.

Andros Townsend celebrates giving Everton the lead against Burnley with Seamus Coleman. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesAndros Townsend celebrates giving Everton the lead against Burnley with Seamus Coleman. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Andros Townsend celebrates giving Everton the lead against Burnley with Seamus Coleman. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

“They are happy if we want to work hard and he is one of those.

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"It was a good game, very physical. It was not easy but overall we were okay.

"When we scored our goal, we had more confidence, played 4-3-3, created more chances and could have scored more goals.”

“What I love in a manager”

Townsend bagged his second goal since arriving at Everton - and his first at Goodison,

He saluted the crackling atmosphere created by the supporters and the impact Benitez has made so far.

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Townsend said: “[The atmosphere in the second half] was incredible. Goodison Park under the lights – I’ve been here many times before as an opposing player.

“It’s an incredible place and thankfully tonight we got the crowd going in the second half. We’re going to need them this season if we are going to achieve our goals.

“[The manager] wants everything! He doesn’t let us rest on our laurels.

“Demarai’s had a great start but the manager still pushed him: ‘Can you make more runs in behind? Can you be more clinical? Can you react when you lost the ball?’ And he was the same with me after the game tonight.

“He’s always looking to improve you as a player and I’ve said many times before, that’s what I love in a manager. I’m enjoying linking up with him again.”