Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern were markedly more upbeat on Wednesday evening after seeing their side produce a much-improved performance in the Toffees’ 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea, in what was David Unsworth’s first game in temporary charge.
The 44-year-old took over as caretaker manager earlier this week following the departure of Ronald Koeman on Monday, and took the team to the Premier League champions in a bid to get back to winning ways. However, they were knocked out of the competition despite an encouraging display thanks to goals from Antonio Rudiger and Willian, and although Dominic Calvert-Lewin got one back for the Toffees late on, it was too late for them to go in search of an equaliser.
As such, Unsworth’s opening match as caretaker ended in defeat but very few of our resident Evertonians were downbeat in the Tavern last night, instead they pointed to the many positives they saw from their side in West London on Wednesday.
And one of which was the performance of young midfielder Beni Baningime, who was given his senior debut by the former Under-23 coach at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, and showed little signs of being overawed with a composed and combative display in the heart of Everton’s midfield.
And several Toffees supporters took to Twitter to heap praise on the 19-year-old for his efforts against the Blues, and they commended the job Unsworth had done for transforming a side low on confidence into one which more than matched the Premier League champions…
Beni Baningime with a mature debut, has to be the stand out mention. Composed and fearless. #EFC
— Dave Murray (@DaveMurray23) October 25, 2017
Really encouraging signs from Unsworth’s 1st game, shows how well we played when we’re devastated we haven’t beaten Chelsea away #EFC
— Callum Dumbell (@CalDumbell) October 25, 2017
Baningime was great tonight breath of fresh air. Still dont think Kenny is ready though, badly need Coleman back. Gutted there unlucky blues
— Stephen Sherrington (@Ste_Sherro_EFC) October 25, 2017
Great second half performance from the Blues. Unsworth having an immediate impact #EFC
— C (@chughs67) October 25, 2017
Beni Baningime outstanding #EFC
— Sam Growney (@samgrowney) October 25, 2017
Some encouragement for Unsworth despite defeat. Think he needs 4 points from 2 PL games to have chance of the job. Work players hard! #EFC
— Phil Houghton (@philinsuffolk) October 25, 2017
What I saw from Beni Baningime tells me he should be in starting X1. #EFC #Everton #COYB
— uknicks (@uknicks) October 25, 2017
Much better and massive impact from Unsworth. He had 3hrs on the training ground. Give him the season #efc @Everton
— Lee (@4EvaEverton) October 25, 2017
Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!
