Darren Bent told Sky Sports News (14/08/21 5:35 pm) that he found it ‘quite strange’ that Everton fans booed the team off at half-time on Saturday.
Everton were 1-0 down to Southampton on Saturday, before they turned things around and recorded a 3-1 win in Rafa Benitez’s first game in charge.
There was pressure on Benitez before he could walk through the Goodison Park doors because of his certain past, but all of that will be washed away as long as he improves this side.
But Everton fans decision to boo their team at the break over the weekend was deemed as ‘harsh’ by Bent and Sky presenter, Jeff Stelling.
“For Rafa Benitez, he was smiling at the end because it’s the perfect start,” said Bent.
“Even at half-time, the fans booed them off, which I thought was harsh. They weren’t great. But, really? It was quite strange.
“But whatever he did Rafa at half-time, it worked. They were a completely different side and deserved to win.”
Jeff Stelling added: “They have been waiting to come back after 18 months and they boo at half-time?!”
The advantage Benitez has is that there is a big tide against him and he can use that to his favour.
Even a standard start will look a lot better because, from the outside, the expectations aren’t that high.
Plus, Benitez isn’t walking into a team that ripped it up last season, but one that struggled to get its engine going under Carlo Ancelotti.
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