Everton fans were able to get their first glimpse of what their side looks like under Rafa Bentiez on Sunday night.
The Spaniard was appointed as Blues boss at the start of this month following the shock departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid.
The 61-year-old arrived at Goodison Park with a wealth of experience having managed in Spain, Italy, England and China in the past.
However, his appointment is arguably the most-controversial in Merseyside football history due to his links with Liverpool.
Benitez managed the Anfield club between 2004-10 and helped guide them to Champions League and FA Cup glory, and a second-place Premier League finish.
And having had two behind closed doors games against Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers, Blues fans were able to watch their side in action for the first time under Benitez on Sunday night.
After a slow start in the first half in which the Blues fell behind, Benitez’s men grew into the game and deservedly drew level through Demarai Gray’s penalty just after the hour mark.
Fellow new signing Asmir Begovic then scored and saved from opposite number Juan Moreno to hand his side a 10-9 victory on penalties.
And in the immediate aftermath of the game, Everton supporters were handed a first look at the meticulous approach many in the game believe the Spaniard will bring to the club.
Anyone who has been a regular watcher of the club’s Everton Unseen features since Benitez’s arrival will have seen the 61-year-old’s hands-on approach during training sessions.
It could be argued that the Blues’ squad looked far more energetic and seemed to enjoy being pushed by their new boss during those clips shared by the club.
And if last night’s evidence is anything to go by then it won’t just be during training sessions that Everton’s players can expect a hands-on approach from their new manager.
The TV pictures used by Premier Sports had already picked up Benitez telling his back four to be more “compact” and to “get up” the pitch as the game headed into stoppage time.
But no sooner had the full time whistle blown, the former Valencia boss could be seen deep in conversation with new signing Gray and pointing at different parts of the pitch.
Then, just minutes later, Benitez could be seen having the same type of conversation with youngsters Anthony Gordon and Joe Anderson.
It would be wrong to say Benitez looked agitated, but the Blues boss certainly had things to get off his chest as his side geared up for the penalty shootout that would decide the 2021 Florida Cup.
This type of hands-on approach is a far cry from the laissez-faire tactics used by Ancelotti during his tenure.
In fact, some Everton fans were critical of the laid-back approach adopted by the now Real boss during his time at Goodison.
Benitez himself has faced questions over his approach to the role given his history with his new side’s neighbours.
But if last night’s performance is anything to go by then the former Champions League winner certainly looks like he means business.
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