Carlo Ancelotti admits he did NOT expect his high-flying Everton side to be second in the Premier League at this stage of the season as Gylfi Sigurdsson winner at Sheffield United makes it four wins on the bounce for the Toffees
- Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he did not expect his Everton side to be in second
- The Toffees made it four wins on the spin with a 1-0 victory at Sheffield United
- Saturday’s victory moves Everton behind local rivals Liverpool in the table
- Ancelotti has urged his side to maintain their form heading into the New Year
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he did not expect his Everton side to be as high up the table as they are at this stage of the season, with the Toffees’ win over Sheffield United moving the side second in the Premier League.
A Gylfi Sigurdsson strike was enough for Ancelotti’s side to pick up all three points against basement boys Sheffield United to put Everton second, behind only local rivals Liverpool ahead of the remaining games this weekend.
Everton had started the season strongly but were expected to fall away after a sudden dip in form. However, four wins on the spin has seen Ancelotti’s side surge back up the table and makes them a strong contender to at least break into the top six.
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he did not expect his Everton side to be second in the league
A Gylfi Sigurdsson strike made it four wins on the spin as Everton moved behind Liverpool
And the veteran Italian, who is in his first full season with the club, has conceded that he never expected his side to be so well-placed heading into the second half of the campaign.
‘We were patient,’ Ancelotti said in the aftermath of the win via Goal. ‘We were in the game and stayed in the game most times, we defended pretty well and we found the right opportunity to score a goal.
‘Every game is really difficult, complicated. Sheffield United are a good team, we are really pleased to be second. We didn’t expect that at the start of the season but we are there and we want to stay there.
‘The squad we have is good. We have a lot of important players out. With these players back we can still have a really good season, we don’t have to think about the transfer window in January.
The Toffees are strong contenders to at least break into the top six come the end of the season
Ancelotti, in his first full season in charge, urged his stars not to let their positive form dip
‘We are there, we are pleased to be there but we don’t have a lot of time to think about it. We have another game in two days, we push.’
Everton fans will be most encouraged by the fact they have enjoyed their recent form without their biggest stars, with James Rodriguez and Allen sidelined with injuries.
Sigurdsson has stepped up to provide an attacking thrust behind star duo Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Iceland star has urged his team-mates to continue this positive form.
‘It is still early on, things change very quickly in this league. We had a fantastic start and then had a few games where we dropped off but we’ve picked back up now. Hopefully, we can continue through January now.’