Pundit Adrian Durham has taken aim at Newcastle fans following Everton’s 3-1 win over Burnley in which Salomon Rondon came on for the Toffees.
The Venezuela international came on at the 81st minute to relace Richarlison and to freshen up the Toffees’ front line.
Newcastle fans will be familiar with the Toffees’ new signing, who joined on deadline day on a free transfer from Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional.
Benitez worked with the striker at St James’ Park as well as in China at Dalian, with his spell on Merseyside representing the latest instalment in a long-running saga of both players working closely together.
Given the association between both figures with Newcastle not too long ago in recent seasons, that prompted Durham to turn the spotlight on the two Everton men to name-drop the Toffees’ rival Premier League side.
“Rafa brings on Rondon,” said Durham via his personal Twitter account on Monday night after the 81st-minute substitution.
“If you know a Newcastle United fan, give them a cuddle.”
Read Everton Verdict
Newcastle fans may lament the stability provided by Benitez and the free-scroing antics of Rondon, but their loss is Everton’s gain.
Indeed, looking on both men’s spell together on Tyneside is an excellent window into the capabilities that could be shown by the experienced target man in an Everton shirt.
The striker was brought in mainly to deputise for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but could yet play a more significant role this season.
He scored 11 goals in 30 starts on loan at Newcastle in the 2018/19 season in a record as prolific as it was memorable.
