Ancelotti’s Everton verdict: Best we have played at home

Everton came from behind, then went ahead and allowed opponents Tottenham Hotspur to level in a well-fought game at Goodison Park. The Toffees will be aggrieved with the 2-2 final result, failing like they did against Crystal Palace to put away chances and then making silly mistakes in defence to allow the other side to equalize.

Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, an unsmiling Carlo Ancelotti tried to keep a brave face.

“We played a good game. It was probably the best we played at home this season. We were unlucky. We did easy mistakes and when you do mistakes against Harry Kane you are condemned.

“It is a disappointing result but not performance. We have more difficulties to reach Europe but we have to keep fighting. We still have possibility playing like tonight.

“We pressed well forward and were aggressive. In the first 10-15 minutes we didn’t do well with the ball but after that we had a lot of opportunity and chances. We have to keep the performance and repeat it.”

James Rodriguez had an excellent game in the #10 position and was in the heart of everything the Blues did today.

“When he is fit he is always influential. He is a player of another level because with the ball he is fantastic. He always has a good pass and he is important for us.”

When pressed on the fatal miscommunications between Michael Keane and Mason Holgate which led to both Spurs goals, Ancelotti was quite charitable with his central defenders.

“It is really difficult to say. Unfortunately in football it can happen. Michael and Mason were involved and they are usually doing well.

“We have to accept it tonight but tomorrow it will be another day and we have to keep fighting because I am convinced we still have possibility [of qualifying for Europe].”

He went into more detail with BBC Match of the Day -

“If we made less mistakes in the box we can win the game. Both Michael and Mason are used to being comfortable with this kind of ball. We were unlucky with both.

“It was one of the best performances we have played here at home. We created the opportunities to win the game. The opponent was really strong and needs points like us. We were active, we pressed forward with intensity and had a good spirit. We have lost points but we are still there and we keep fighting for sure. With this kind of performance we would lose less points.”

Everton still have seven games to make Europe and Ancelotti insists his side will continue to be competitive.

“I am sure the race will decided in the last game. We have seven games and we have to keep fighting every game. We need to win, we are still fighting.”