Posted by It’s been an eventful return to the Premier League for Claudio Ranieri. The popular Italian, who led Leicester City to an improbable title success in 2015-16, was tempted back to England by Watford after Xisco Munoz was ousted, but his reign was short-lived after they were thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool in his first match in charge.
When they trailed 2-1 to Everton with 10 minutes to go, it appeared like it might be two defeats in a row.
But the Hornets’ incredible comeback, which included four goals in 12 minutes to seal a 5-2 triumph that included a hat-trick from Joshua King, suggests the 70-year-latest old’s top-flight adventure could be very, very entertaining.
‘The Ranieri factor’
Everton took a 2-1 lead thanks to a diving header from ex-Hornets striker Richarlison, prompting Ranieri to put on Emmanuel Dennis and Joao Pedro. Dennis provided two assists before calmly tapping home his team’s fifth goal after Pedro set him up.
Watford were encouraged to go for an unexpected win – their first at Goodison Park – rather than sit back and hope for a point after Juraj Kucka’s headed equalize.
“That’s the Ranieri factor” said former Everton forward James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 live. “People looked at the result last week and asked ‘what can he do’. Well today it shows you.
Source: BBC Sport