Here are your Everton morning headlines for Tuesday, 15 September.
Ancelotti solved problem area with tactical change
Carlo Ancelotti solved an Everton problem area with an intriguing tactical change in Sunday’s impressive 1-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur.
Writing for the ECHO , former Everton defender Michael Ball explained how the Toffees defended very deep for set-pieces, helping them to keep Spurs quiet during dangerous situations.
“But, with the amount of goals we leaked last season from set pieces, they found a different want to make the penalty box compact and everyone seemed to be on the same hymn sheet,” wrote Ball.
“I think Jordan Pickford knew exactly what was happening, everyone coming back to defend these set pieces knew what their job was.
“That was also pleasing because we weren't going through the exact same situations as last season and getting punished. You didn't have your heart in your mouth every time there was a corner thinking we were going to concede.”
New signings add to early-season feelgood factor
New signings James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure have added to the sense of optimism around Everton after impressing in the win over Spurs.
All three players made their debuts as Ancelotti unveiled his new-look midfield at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Writing for the ECHO , David Alexander Hughes analysed their impact as Ancelotti claimed a morale-boosting win over Jose Mourinho.
“Through the middle, Allan sat deepest within the midfield and provided the Blues backline with the layer of protection that they sorely missed last season, snuffing out Spurs attacks and hoovering up loose balls.
“Alongside him, Doucoure illustrated an unrelenting energy, pressing and dispossessing at crucial moments but also exploding and driving the Blues up the pitch in transitions.
“Then there was Rodriguez whose debut was as majestic as many Everton fans had hoped. He glided across the pitch, applying faultless first touches and effortlessly executing brilliant drilled passes from one side of the pitch to the other.”
Blues chasing Bremer
Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer, according to Football Insider .
Ancelotti is keen to add quality to his backline having transformed his midfield as his rebuild at Goodison Park continues.
Everton have also been linked with Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori, although Frank Lampard has said the young defender remains a part of his plans at Stamford Bridge.
As per the report, Bremer is open to a move to the Premier League. The 23-year-old Brazilian has three years remaining on his contract with the Serie A side.
