Everton have misplaced simply certainly one of Benitez’s first seven Premier League video games in cost regardless of a restricted finances attributable to monetary fair-play restrictions and accidents to star strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
A 1-1 draw away to Manchester United stored Benitez’s males stage on factors with the Crimson Devils and Liverpool and one forward of Manchester Metropolis forward of the champions’ journey to Anfield on Sunday.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might afford the luxurious of bringing Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba on as substitutes, whereas Benitez needed to identify three youngsters to fill out his bench.
However a degree was the least the guests deserved from a efficiency that married the defensive organisation Benitez’s sides are well-known for with a potent risk on the counter-attack.
Everton’s aim confirmed the affect the 61-year-old has had in only a few months in cost.
After an Everton outlay of £240 million ($325 million) in switch charges over the previous three years, Benitez’s spending was restricted to £1.7 million to herald Demarai Grey and Andros Townsend throughout the switch window.
On the identical time he needed to shave down the wage invoice with James Rodriguez frozen out earlier than his transfer to Qatari aspect Al-Rayyan.
However Grey and Townsend have shone as Everton have taken 14 factors from a doable 21.
Grey confirmed his mix of power, dedication and tempo to twice dispossess Fred and set in movement the counter-attack for Everton’s equaliser.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is one other participant remodeled by Benitez’s arrival and the Frenchman offered his fourth help of the season by rolling the ball into the trail of Townsend for his fifth aim in 9 video games as an Everton participant.
Townsend was accessible on a free switch from Crystal Palace together with his profession seemingly in decline however he has been revived by reuniting with Benitez after the pair labored collectively beforehand at Newcastle.
“The supervisor calls for the perfect. He obtained the very best out of me once I was at Newcastle and he appears to be getting the very best out of me once more on the minute,” mentioned Townsend.
“If I hold working arduous, hold listening to the supervisor, hopefully I can proceed getting on the scoresheet.”
However for a matter of centimetres Everton might even have grabbed their first victory at Previous Trafford since 2013.
Yerry Mina tapped residence Tom Davies’ cross within the dying minutes however the Colombian had simply strayed offside, which was noticed by a VAR verify.
Even a degree felt like three for Benitez, given the aspect he needed to cobble collectively attributable to accidents.
“It’s a good draw, mentally like a victory, with the gamers who aren’t enjoying,” mentioned Benitez. “If now we have everyone accessible and proceed with the identical group spirit, we are able to win extra video games.
“Hopefully, we are able to convey again some gamers however make certain that we hold the identical mentality, the identical dedication, the identical depth.”
Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, captain Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes might return after the worldwide break to bolster a bid to qualify for Europe subsequent season.
That could be past a squad punching above its weight, however Benitez couldn’t have requested for a greater begin to silence any lingering scepticism as as to whether he was the very best man for the job.
