Everton boss Rafael Benitez came under huge pressure for substituting Richarlison on Sunday – but Guillem Balague has attempted to defend him.
Everton beaten at Palace amid Richarlison substation
The Toffees were 1-0 down at Palace thanks to a Conor Gallagher goal before Benitez made a surprise decision.
Benitez hooked striker Richarlison for Salomon Rondon – a decision that left pundit Efan Ekoku (Sky Sports, 12/12, 5:45pm) ‘absolutely shocked’.
Richarlison cut a disgruntled figure as he trudged off the pitch and was seemingly stewing away on the bench behind Benitez.
Everton fans were baffled; Benitez had taken his main goal threat off at 1-0 down. Just minutes later, James Tomkins made it 2-0.
Rondon did actually score to vindicate Benitez to some extent, but Everton ended up losing 3-1.
Balague defends Benitez
Rondon may have found the net, but that hasn’t exactly appeased Everton fans.
Everton have been in dismal form of late, taking just five points from a possible 30.
Benitez is under immense pressure having failed to connect with Everton fans and put out a less-than-entertaining product on the pitch.
The Richarlison substitution just angered fans even more, and Guillem Balague has now attempted to defend Benitez.
Balague has suggested that Richarlison may have actually been injured – though his angry expression wouldn’t lend itself to that theory.
Balague noted that, if something seems strange, there is likely something that fans don’t know – and suggested that it won’t stop Everton fans moaning.
Ultimately though, this isn’t just about the substitution. Everton have won one in 10, and fans have every right to be annoyed with the Benitez era.
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