Everton off the mark in Ancelotti era
In what was a tough game, Everton came through the test producing a fine effort to claim all three points against Burnley today at Goodison Park in Carlo Ancelotti’s first match in charge.
This was always likely to be a game Everton would have to grind out a win from and a match where patience and perseverance would get rewards.
That’s exactly how it proved to be as the Toffees fought hard to break down a stubborn and determined Clarets team and eventually get the one goal that was needed for all the points.
Manager Ancelotti picked Seamus Coleman and Bernard in his side. He also sprang a surprise playing Djibril Sidibe in a more advanced right-wing position where he was free to roam forward.
The Frenchman proved a constant threat and a great outlet. Alongside him Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fabian Delph generally controlled midfield and looked a solid enough central pairing.
Mason Holgate returned to centre-back to partner Yerry Mina and up front Bernard played on the left behind Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
After a very early scare and a shot cleared off the line, the Blues were on the front foot for most of the game and created a number of good chances. Burnley’s Nick Pope was much the busier of the two goalkeepers and in truth Everton should have scored three or four goals today.
Everton played some neat football at times and controlled possession. The problem the team have had regularly scoring goals was once again in evidence as chances were spurned, especially by Calvert-Lewin who missed several gilt-edged opportunities.
Ancelotti will have noted those issues and the occasional sluggish performance from some of his players and the lack of quality at times. I feel sure he will go into the January transfer market for reinforcements.
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As the second half wore on, it seemed as though the Toffees might live to regret those misses. Finally, after 80 minutes a hard cross from the ever lively Sidibe was superbly headed in by Calvert-Lewin and Everton were 1-0 up.
Given how the game had unfolded, this goal always looked as though it would be enough and Burnley offered very little as the match wound down.
So the Blues are off to a winning start under the Italian. Ancelotti was given a great reception by Evertonians and this afternoon couldn’t really have gone any better, except perhaps if Everton had scored more goals.
The games come thick and fast at this time of year and next up for the Toffees is a trip to the Northeast to take on Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United on Saturday. Another three points would be a great way to start the new year.