Life without Carlo Ancelotti started with Everton and it ended in victory for the Merseysider. Ancelotti moved to Real Madrid in the summer with Rafael Benitez taking over the reins after managing the red side of the Merseyside. It was a wonderful start to the start of the season for Everton as they won Southampton 3-1 despite coming from behind after Southampton took the lead early on.
It's always nice to start the season with a win especially when the confidence is high. The start of the season can make or mar the confidence level of any team. The players would be interested in impressing their new manager and they got off to a flying start much to the delight of the home fans.
In the 22nd minute, Michael Keane gave away the ball as he was undecided and the ball got stolen from him. Armstrong was found quickly and he buried his effort into the top right corner despite the goalkeeper trying to close down the gap. Southampton took the lead and Everton had it all to do.
Everton got back into the game in the 47th minute after a brilliant delivery into the box from a corner kick was cleared into the path of Townsend, whose header into the box was pounced on by Richarlison and he poked a toe to send it into the back of the net and draw his side level, 1-1.
The second goal came for Everton and it was a beautiful goal to watch. Alex Iwobi and Doucoure combined in the 76th minute after being found in the box. Doucoure turned and unleashed a wonderful strike that found the top right corner of the net leaving the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance at all. It is another contender for the goal of the week after Ayling's power strike against Manchester United. Doucoure gave Everton the lead for the first time in the game, much to the delight of Rafael Benitez.
Everton took the game beyond all doubt after Iwobi found Richarlison inside the box and his lovely ball into the box was met with a great header from Calvert-Lewin as the ball found the back of the net. The game has been sealed in the 81st minute with that 3rd goal and Southampton can't complain about the scoreline so much.
Everton got off to a flying start and as every team in the league this season, they would take it one step at a time and it's a moment of reflection for Southampton as they have to go back to the drawing board so they can kick start their season early on. This is the time to take the season seriously and losing the first game of the season can be demoralizing but it's never the end of the world for any team that loses their first game.
Congratulations to Everton and Rafa Benitez on winning their first game of the season. They would be hoping on more wins under his reins.
Thank you for your time.
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