Ancelotti on Moshiri relationship and huge VAR error denying King a goal

Victory at West Ham United puts Everton right back into European contention, with now a lot riding on the return game against Aston Villa tomorrow. The Blues picked up their fifth win in the capital over the weekend with majority shareowner Farhad Moshiri in the stands at the London Stadium, with Carlo Ancelotti later saying that Moshiri was ‘lucky’ for the team.

“With Mr. Moshiri I have a really good relationship. He’s an owner that supports the team, supports the club. I talk to him, not every day, but at least he wants to be informed of the condition of the team, the condition of the players.

“We speak - on the phone of course, we did not have the possibility to meet with the pandemic - I met him last week in London. It was a good moment, with Marcel Brands and with Bill Kenwright and I hope to see him soon again.

“He is always behind us and wants to know everything about the club and I keep him informed, at least every day.”

Ancelotti was asked if he has been pleased with King’s performances off the bench so far, but then used the time to address a VAR miss from the West Ham game. Many might have missed it at the time, but the Toffees had a chance late on to go 2-0 when Dominic Calvert-Lewin rounded Lukasz Fabianski and crossed for Josh King to head home, with the forward’s shot appearing to come off the post. However, replays indicated that the ball had been handled by defender Craig Dawson on the line, something that was not picked up by match officials and it still rankles for Ancelotti.

“It is true I am happy with him. He was really professional in training and is always ready whenever he plays, at least three, five, ten minutes, even fifteen minutes. He played a part in a lot of important games and he did well, and so I am satisfied with what he is doing.

“He scored a goal and I am really surprised no one knew this. I didn’t see it myself, but it was a handball. I think there was no VAR at the stadium. At the end of the day we won, but imagine if West Ham equalized at the last minute after that, it was a big, huge mistake!

“It cannot happen with VAR. Cannot happen. Nobody has said anything to us. It would be enough to say sorry, we made a mistake.”

Theo Walcott has been out on loan at the Saints, would he be leaving the Toffees this summer?

“Honestly we didn’t think about this. We follow him as he plays at Southampton, and we will take a decision at the end of the season.”

How about the performance of Allan and Tom Davies together, who looked much more mobile and effective together on Sunday without Andre Gomes on the pitch.

“Allan had a good game, defensively he was very good. Tom is always good defensively. because he puts a lot of energy, a lot of passion in his play. Defensively strong on the tackle, he is a fantastic support not only for Allan but for the whole team. Next step for Tom is to improve his ability with the ball.”