Your Everton evening headlines on Friday, November 4.
Demarai Gray defends 'good guy' Rafa Benitez and reveals how he broke up Everton dressing room fight
Demarai Gray has revealed he enjoyed his time working under Rafa Benitez and remains grateful to the Spaniard for providing him with the opportunity to become a 'valued member' of the Everton squad.
The Blues recruited the 26-year-old as part of a £1.7million deal last summer and instantaneously reaped the rewards of this purchase after the winger produced a return of three goals in his opening four Premier League appearances for the club.
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Gray's attacking output tailed off as the campaign progressed, though the Birmingham City academy graduate did produce a vitally important late winner in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal to end an eight-game run without a league triumph.
Benitez's Goodison Park tenure came to an end one month on from that victory, much to the delight of many supporters. Offering his view on operating under the stewardship of the ex-Liverpool boss, the Blues' No.11 told The Athletic : “I understand people might have had mixed emotions. But I’m grateful for him. He had faith in me, he wanted me at the club, he made that clear and I think for any player, first and foremost, it’s who you’re playing for and what the manager wants and thinks of you."
To read the full story, click HERE.
Frank Lampard sends Everton warning after Nathan Patterson injury update
Frank Lampard has provided an update on Nathan Patterson’s fitness and declared that this is now the strongest Everton squad he’s been able to pick from since he came to the club. Patterson started Everton’s first seven Premier League matches this season before picking up an ankle injury playing for Scotland against Ukraine on September 24.
The 21-year-old came off the bench to replace captain Seamus Coleman and play the final 26 minutes of last Saturday’s goalless draw at Fulham and asked what condition Patterson is now in, Lampard said: “He’s ready to start, he came on last week and it’s more just my decision now of how ready to start he is.”
Patterson was joined on the bench at Craven Cottage by Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, James Garner, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies, Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay with Ben Godfrey now the only major absentee and Lampard admits that’s the best position he’s had personnel-wise during his tenure. He said: “This is the strongest squad I’ve been able to name since I’ve been at the club.
To read more, click HERE.
READ NEXT:
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- Everton manager Frank Lampard responds to FIFA message amid World Cup controversy
- Why Rafael Benitez wanted Everton to sell Alex Iwobi
- Everton step in to help thousands of footballers after fire hits grassroots club
