The heroes and villains in Everton’s 3-1 defeat of Southampton to give Rafa Benitez the perfect start

New manager Rafa Benitez got off to the perfect start as Everton opened their 2021-22 Premier League campaign with a 3-1 defeat of Southampton at Goodison Park.

The Toffees had to do it the hard way, though, having been trailing at half-time they fought back to secure an impressive victory,

Adam Armstrong opened the scoring for the visitors but second-half goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin delivered Benitez all three points in his first game.

The heroes

- Richarlison: The Brazilian had a difficult first half and was booked for simulation. However, he burst into life after the interval and nonchalantly netted Everton’s equaliser with an excellent finish from close range.

- Andros Townsend: The summer signing from Crystal Palace was one of the few players who could hold their head high in the first half, delivering a number of threatening crosses into the box. After the break, it was the winger’s header back into the box which led to Richarlison’s equaliser.

- Abdoulaye Doucoure: The midfielder recently admitted he wanted to add more goals to his game - and he has started in the best possible way. Doucoure lashed home Everton’s match-winner in the 76th minute before celebrating with some fans who had made their way onto the pitch.

The villains

- Michael Keane: The centre-back was left red faced for Southampton’s opener. He was caught pondering on the ball, being easily dispossessed by Che Adams, who teed up Armstrong’s opening goal. He was almost caught out again later in the first half.

- Mason Holgate: It was a surprise he started ahead of Yerry Mina and he didn’t justify his place in the team. The defender struggled to handle the physicality of Southampton’s strike duo of Armstrong and Adams in the first half, although he did improve in the second period.

- Mohammed Salisu: Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl would have been fuming when his defender, who didn’t challenge for the ball that gifted Richarlison his goal.

Player ratings

Everton (4-4-1-1): Pickford 7, Coleman 7, Holgate 5, Keane 4, Digne 6, Townsend 7 (Iwobi 70; 7), Allan 6, Doucoure 8, Richarlison 8, Gray 7 (Mina 85), Calvert-Lewin 7.

Southampton (4-4-2): McCarthy 6, Stephens 6, Livramento 5, Salisu 4, Perraud 5 (Redmond 83), Walcott 5 (Tella 80), Ward-Prowse 5, Romeu 6 (Diallo 80), Djenepo, 5, Adams 6, Armstrong 7.

What’s next for Everton

The Toffees have a week to rest up before travelling to Leeds United next Saturday.

Marco Bielsa’s side opened their season with a 5-1 thrashing at Manchester United.