Rafa Benitez did not bring on any strikers despite having three on the bench
LOSER: Rafa Benitez
This one has already been covered extensively, but Rafa has to be included as one of the losers from this game. His game management was questionable, using only one substitute and refusing to replace both Salomon Rondon and Alex Iwobi, who both underperformed for the side once again. The Spaniard is under pressure right now, with rumours saying that Everton are looking at Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand as a potential replacement for the former Champions League winner.
Rafa’s strange obsession with Rondon has caused fans to question his managerial decisions, refusing to sub off the Venezualan no matter how badly he performs. Even if Rafa doesn’t deserve the sack, it almost seems inevitable at this point, no manager survives going on a double-digit winless streak, especially at Everton.
It’s quite unfortunate, Rafa was expected to bring some stability to the club, something the Toffees have severely lacked since the days of David Moyes, and he still has time to do that, but the question is if he will be given the chance by the board or will he be used as a scapegoat for Everton’s struggles that seem to come around every 18 months or so.