That victory was for the fans, says ecstatic Benitez
Everton manager Rafael Benitez insists he will do a “proper” job at the club and does not have to win over doubting fans after a 3-1 victory over Southampton got his controversial reign up and running in style.
After goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-lewin turned things around following Adam Armstrong’s maiden Premier League goal for his new club, Benitez credited the players and a full Goodison Park with the victory.
“It is is nothing to do with me, it is more about the players and the fans,” he said.
“They (fans) know the manager I am, I like to fight and compete: I did it today and I will do it all my time here. I am someone who likes to do their job properly and likes to win.”
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was delighted to see his new £15million acquisition from Blackburn get off the mark.
“He showed immediately he is good in the game, he is quick and can go in behind,” he said.
Watford manager Xisco Munoz hailed his side’s performance as they held off a late Aston Villa challenge to kickstart their Premier triumph 3-2.
Club-record signing Ismaila Sarr had already set up Emmanuel Dennis’ first club goal for Watford’s opener before he found the net himself. Debutant Cucho Hernandez added their third, but Villa were able to reply through John Mcginn’s long-ranger.
In added time, referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot after a foul in the box, with debutant Danny Ings stepping up and making no mistake for his new club.
“It was a very good day today,” Munoz said.
“For me it was the first game in the Premier League so I enjoyed it because it was a very good game.”
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith condemned his side’ s first-half performance, likening it to a “friendly”.
“First half. Dreadful,” the Villa boss said when asked what disappointed him the most about his side’s performance.
Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Jamie Vardy after “a sublime finish” edged Leicester to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolves.
Rodgers said: “When he has that form and that level of fitness, that hunger, he’s very difficult to play against. I thought he was outstanding.
Wolves boss Bruno Lage was pleased with his team’s performance.
He said: “The result was more important, but we deserved more.”
Brighton boss Graham Potter praised the impact made by his subs after the Seagulls opened their campaign with a 2-1 come-from-behind win at Burnley.
The hosts took the lead via a second-minute James Tarkowski header, before Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister won it for Albion in a secondhalf fightback.