Nobody expected it go this sour this quick for Rafa Benitez at Everton

Benitez's appointment was always going to be a gamble — and the only bet being made right now is when the Spaniard will be sacked and who will replace him

Everton manager Rafael Benitez on the touchline during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA

From the moment that Rafa Benitez walked into Goodison Park, it was obvious he would be given less leeway by Everton fans than any manager in the past — his historic links with Liverpool were always going to be a serious barrier. But nobody expected the relationship to disintegrate this quickly or for the Spaniard to find his job on the line by Christmas.

That, however, is the situation he faces, despite a battling performance by his side against a Liverpool team who in the end were just too good and too accomplished for Everton to compete with in the Merseyside derby, eventually handing out a chastening 4-1 beating.