“We are improving” - Rafa Benitez gives Everton huge compliment after 2-0 victory at Brighton

The Toffees remain unbeaten in the Premier League with Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on target at the Amex Stadium.
Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: George Wood/Getty ImagesEverton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images
Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

Rafa Benitez toasted Everton’s finest performance of his managerial reign in the 2-0 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Toffees’ unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign continued at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

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Summer signing Demarai Gray continued his red-hot form with his second goal of the season when he broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.

Everton doubled their advantage on 58 minutes through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s third goal in as many matches.

The striker kept his cool from the penalty spot after Seamus Coleman had been brought down by Seagulls defender Joel Veltman.

Everton have collected seven points from their opening three fixtures and Benitez is delighted with his side’s start.

Rafa’s reaction

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“From the beginning, the team has shown very good spirit and desire and organisation,” he told the club’s website.

“Then they tried to do what they have to for the benefit of the team.

“We won and kept a clean sheet, so there are a lot of positives.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring from the penalty spot at Brighton. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesDominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring from the penalty spot at Brighton. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring from the penalty spot at Brighton. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

“We had three or four chances to play better counter-attacks in the first half but missed the last pass or movement.

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“It was better in the second half, we needed to be sure we were strong in defence and could play quick counter-attacks.

“We have had difficult games. In the first game against Southampton, we showed character to come from behind, something the team hadn’t done for a long time.

“We played against a very difficult team in Leeds – and could have won the game in the end. Against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup, we played part of the game with 10 men and were able to still win the game.

“This one, because we had maybe more control and, especially, more control at the end, you can say it was better.

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“We are improving and, hopefully, we can continue improving, if the players keep working in this way.”

Midfield praise

A key reason behind Everton’s victory was down to the performances of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the centre of midfield.

The pair dominated the engine room and gave the visitors control of the game.

Allan was particularly influential, setting up Gray’s opener before his through ball set Coleman free to earn the penalty.

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Benitez added: “We wanted to be compact and stop Brighton’s passes through midfield and find spaces in the wide areas or behind.

“Allan was great and so was Doucoure. It is not just the passing [of Allan], it is the effort.

Everton’s Abdoulate Doucoure battles with Brighton midfield Yves Bissouma. Picture: Steve Bardens/ Getty Images Everton’s Abdoulate Doucoure battles with Brighton midfield Yves Bissouma. Picture: Steve Bardens/ Getty Images
Everton’s Abdoulate Doucoure battles with Brighton midfield Yves Bissouma. Picture: Steve Bardens/ Getty Images

“The centre-backs and two midfielders were key players for us because they allowed us to regain the ball and counter-attack.

“The fans are enjoying it because we are fighting – the away fans push and support the team every way they can.

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“It is fine [Everton’s start to the season] but I am a little bit disappointed because against Leeds we had chances at the end to do better.

“But it is a new manager, a new season, with not too many signings, and the team is doing well.”

Townsend loving life

Andros Townsend has been an important player since arriving at Goodison Park on a free transfer from Crystal Palace.

The winger’s consistency has quickly made him a fans’ favourite and he’s relished his time at Everton so far.

Andros Townsend battles for the ball for Everton against Brighton. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesAndros Townsend battles for the ball for Everton against Brighton. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Andros Townsend battles for the ball for Everton against Brighton. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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He said: “I’ve loved my time so far at Everton. It’s amazing how big this club is.

“I’ve always known this is a massive club. Everton are ambitious with a great fanbase and I’m very fortunate to be here. I know the manager.

“He trusts me and so far I feel I’ve repaid his faith along with those who also brought me to the club. I’ll continue working hard to keep doing that and get chances to be on the pitch for Everton.

“Our win at Brighton on Saturday was a very professional performance and we’re all delighted. To a man, we worked our socks off.

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“We knew it was going to be tough. I played two difficult games against Brighton last season, they are a very good side and one of the best teams I faced, but we countered well on Saturday, were clinical at times and deserved the victory.”

What’s next

The international break means that Everton are not back in action for another two weeks.

The Blues play host to Burnley on Monday, September 13.

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