Ancelotti wants better from Pickford

Everton on one hand can consider themselves lucky to have had a point off Leicester City tonight, but considering they had taken the lead and had held the Foxes to no real chances all game long, will be disappointed to have thrown away two hard-earned points.

Speaking after the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti was frustrated with his side’s inability to hold the ball in the key areas.

“It was a tough game. I thought we defended more than we attacked, we did quite well and it’s a good point.

“We didn’t have the control that we wanted when they equalised, the game was more in their control but the point was fair.

“It wasn’t that we defended too deep, it was the fact we didn’t quite have the quality after they equalised.

“I said two weeks ago this is an unpredictable league, unbelievable. There are good games and hard games - we played against Sheffield United, who are at the bottom, and had problems. It’s a really exciting Premier League.”

Ironically, the Blades just beat high-flying Manchester United at Old Trafford at the same time this game was going on.

Overall Ancelotti appeared satisfied with the result.

“I’m happy with the draw. The result is fair. We had an opportunity at the end to win but the result is fair. It’s a good point for us.

“They are a good team. We defended well. We could have had more control of the ball. The plan was to avoid counter-attacks because they were really dangerous on that - and we didn’t concede on the counter-attack”

“Spirit is good. Condition is good. We are in the right way. Everywhere, unpredictable results.”

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is the scapegoat once again, unfortunately for him and the watching England manager Gareth Southgate as he reacted late to the Youri Tielemans shot, and then didn’t have the strong wrists to parry it away. Seconds before that, he had conceded a needless corner trying to save a shot going wide.

Ancelotti has been a staunch supporter of the 26-year-old, but now it looks like even his patience is wearing thin.

“This is not the right place to talk about this. He can do better but it doesn’t matter.

“The view of Jordan was not so good and he had difficulty to catch the ball. I didn’t speak with him directly, and I’m not going to speak with him. There is no reason.”

Everton had taken the lead on an incredible piece of artistry from James Rodriguez, who wriggled into space and unleashed a lovely shot with his weaker right foot.

“It was unbelievable. We’re not used to seeing him score with the right!

“Surprise. I don’t remember him scoring with his right foot before. It was really fantastic.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin toiled alone without much service, but when the chances presented themselves he failed to capitalize.

“It was a difficult game for him. His condition is good, he scored on Sunday and I hope he’s going to score on Saturday [against Newcastle].”