Here are your Everton morning headlines for Sunday, November 8.
Ancelotti pleased with Pickford display in United defeat
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says he was pleased with Jordan Pickford’s performance in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Pickford returned in goal having been dropped for Robin Olsen against Newcastle United last weekend, but the England international was powerless to stop Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side walking away from Goodison Park with all three points.
Pickford was involved in one of the game’s flashpoints when he avoided conceding a penalty having collided with Harry Maguire after spilling a cross.
The 26-year-old did, however, create Bernard’s goal with an excellent punt upfield for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to nod into the Brazilian’s path.
"He was good," said Ancelotti . "He had nothing to do with the two goals we conceded [in the first-half].
"He made a good save to secure the goal, he did well with his feet.
"His performance was good."
Rodriguez and Mina travel plan during international break
Everton’s Colombian duo James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina, will begin their travels today as they prepare for World Cup qualifying action with their country, according to the ECHO’s Everton reporter Phil Kirkbride .
The Blues pair will travel to Madrid before taking a charter flight to Colombia on Monday ahead of their games against Uruguay and Ecuador.
Colombia face Uruguay in Barranquilla on Friday and Ecuador away in Quito on Tuesday 17th with both games set to kick-off at 9pm UK time.
Everton face Fulham at Craven Cottage the following Saturday.
Ancelotti must solve midfield problem
Ancelotti must figure out how to breathe new life into the Everton midfield after falling to three successive defeats, writes ECHO Everton reporter Adam Jones .
The Blues midfield looked strong during the early weeks of the season following the arrivals of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
However, Gylfi Sigurdsson was unable to influence Saturday’s game against Manchester United, leaving Ancelotti with a selection headache following the international break.
The Iceland international failed to trouble United before being replaced by Alex Iwobi after 66 minutes.
Ancelotti will be expected to find a solution with Andre Gomes and Tom Davies having been left on the bench during the defeat by United.
Finding Everton’s strongest midfield configuration, capable of servicing Calvert-Lewin, will be key to turning the Blues’ fortunes around following three disappointing results on the bounce.
