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Turns out Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti might be a magician after all. Somehow he has managed to coax out a faint spark from this squad for just long enough to get a goal from a setpiece, and then defend resolutely all game long against a Wolves side who were excellent in the first half.
Added with the news that Tottenham Hotspur lost, Everton are somehow still in with a chance to qualify for Europe going into the last weekend of the league season, something that’s been a while since we could say it.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Carlo Ancelotti was happier with the effort shown by his side compared to the loss on Sunday against Sheffield United.
”It was much better. Better attitude. We wanted to win. It was an open game. It was important to win to stay in the battle.
“We are in the fight. Manchester City will be the most difficult game but it was important to stay there.”
On the changes he had to make at the break after getting overrun in the first stanza -
“They play with a #10, and our midfielders were a little worried about the position, and they put more pressure forward. We tried to adjust during the halftime.
“We scored in the first situation from a setpiece, and then we had opportunities on the counter attack. We defended really well, the strength of this team is the defence, we have to be honest.”
| "A big part of this victory came from the supporters. In the history of this club, there is this kind of connection that helps the team and make Goodison Park a fortress."@MrAncelotti on #EVEWOL and playing in front of our fans again. pic.twitter.com/hRpZ2Nfuvl
— Everton (@Everton) May 19, 2021
6,500 supporters were allowed back into the stadium for the last home game of this season, and they were able to pull the ball into the Gwladys Street end net with Richarlison’s header early in the second half.
“It’s totally different, with the supporters back in the stadium here we have had three victories in three games. They make a huge difference to the atmosphere and to the motivation of the players.
“I hope the new signing of the transfer market will be the supporters at the stadium. It will make a huge difference for next season.”
The Blues will likely need a win at Manchester City in the last weekend of the season, how confident was the manager in getting a result there?
”Nothing is impossible. Really difficult, really complicated. They are the one of the best teams in Europe but we have to try.”
When asked if this will not be considered a good season if Everton fail to make Europe, Ancelotti remained positive.
“To qualify for Europe it will be a fantastic season. If we don’t qualify it will be a good season.”