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Everton put in a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde performance tonight to come away from Leeds United with a 2-1 win. The Blues attacked incisively when they had the ball in the first half with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting the goals, but negated their offensive instincts with a defensive rearguard in the second half despite conceding early after resumption.
Speaking after the game to BT Sport, Carlo Ancelotti was happy to see the response he had elicited with his anger after the loss to Newcastle.
“Yes really pleased. The reaction after the defeat to Newcastle was really good.
“We played really well in the first half. We were intelligent in the game in the second half, it was difficult because we gave up an easy goal.
“We had an opportunity on the counterattack at the end, but the effort of Leeds was really strong and we suffered today.
“The goal was to have three points today and we won through a really good first half.”
Robin Olsen made six saves today, including a trio in quick succession with Leeds pressing hard for the equalizer.
“He did well. He knows very well his role. He is confident. We have confidence in him, he’s an experienced goalkeeper.
“He did really good, what can I say. He is always ready.”
After struggling to get any service in recent games, Calvert-Lewin resumed normal service picking up his 12th of the league season just before halftime.
“I’m happy because the team scored. It could have been Richarlison, could have been Sigurdsson who opened the scoring with a fantastic goal and assist. It doesn’t matter who scored.
“I think I was really pleased with Dominic, not because he scored, but because he worked hard. This is what I ask of the players all the time.”
Everton’s new signing Joshua King came on for the last few minutes of the game.
“He is going to complete the squad in front, he can play everywhere, right, left, centreforward.
“The fact that Tosun left meant we needed an option and he is a really good option.”