Delighted Benitez explains team selection

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Rafael Benitez revealed he deployed Ramires in a wide position at Everton in order to contain England left-back Leighton Baines.

The Brazilian worked tirelessly in the role while Frank Lampard, who returned to the centre of Chelsea’s midfield, scored both goals as the Blues came from behind to win 2-1 at Goodison Park.

It was an encouraging end to the year for Benitez and the interim manager remains convinced his team can sustain a challenge for the title.

Benitez explained: “We put Ramires on the right side against Baines and he had a great game.

“And Lampard was one of the players who, if he got into the box, could be dangerous.

“We knew Hazard, Torres, Lampard and Mata could score goals and that was the idea – to have a balance between attacking players and players who could do the job in defence.”

He added: ‘It was a great win for us. The team showed character, commitment, passion and quality.”

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