Silva proud of his Everton players, commends Richarlison

Everton manager Marco Silva has been talking to the media after the 2-2 draw today away at Watford Wolves to open the 2018-19 season.

The Blues took an early lead from big summer signing Richarlison before seeing captain Phil Jagielka controversially sent off just before the break. Wolves equalized from the resulting freekick and the Blues were down to ten facing a torrid second half.

Silva’s halftime talk energized his charges though as Everton refused to sit back and took the fight to the hosts who seemed stunned and unable to take advantage of their extra man.

“I’m very proud of my players. To play nearly 50 minutes with 10 men and show the level of performance that we did against a good side is very pleasing.

“After we went 1-0 up, perhaps we could have done more but the display in the second half was very good and the team did well.

“We could have won but I think we can be pleased with how we played and go on from here for the rest of the season.”

Richarlison then popped up again in the box to score a beautiful second as the Blues took a surprise lead, but also wasted multiple two-on-one chances as they continued to find gaps in Wolves 3-4-3 defence.

However, an excellent cross from the Wolves best player Ruben Neves found a Wolverhampton head in the box to equalize and setup a nervy last few minutes before it ended 2-2.

“It was a very good performance from a player I know can play like this.

“It’s not just his goals. He works hard, makes runs and I’m pleased to see him score two goals but the most pleasing thing is the team performance.”

The Brazilian winger was excellent whenever he had the ball, and thanked ‘father-figure’ Silva for the opportunity.

“I’m very happy with the two goals in a difficult match in which we had to run double. It was a difficult game but 1 point away is an important debut for me.

“I know my responsibility and that Marco Silva is giving me the freedom to play my football. I know what I have to do.

“I look to Marco like a father. He came to Brazil to bring me to England, I’ll be grateful for life to him.”

The reverence that the players seem to have for Silva is incredible to us fans after the last couple of managers we’ve had.