Here are your Everton morning headlines for Monday, 21 September.
Ancelotti has hope for the future
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has appeared unmoved by the club’s good form to start the season, refusing to rest on his laurels, but believes the positive results can be carried through into future fixtures.
Ancelotti spoke following Everton’s 5-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, a win which saw them move to the top of the Premier League table.
"I am not worried about the expectation. I am really happy today because the last six months were not easy, they were really difficult for everyone at Everton - players, club, supporters - but now, I think, we have to be happy with how we started the season. Full stop,” the Italian said, reminding supporters there are 36 games and a long way to go.
It is the first time Everton have won their opening two league games of the season for almost a decade, while the performances also bode well for the weeks ahead.
"The season is long, this is only the start, we are going to have a lot more tests in the future, but we have to be happy until Wednesday," Ancelotti digressed.
New man James Rodríguez has been a revelation at Goodison Park, while Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were both hugely impressive against Tottenham and the Baggies.
Coleman praises ‘calm-headed’ Rodríguez
Everton captain Seamus Coleman has shown his admiration for the early-season form of Colombian star Rodríguez, describing him as a “top player.”
"James will have been there and done that at such a high level so as you've seen he is quite calm picking out these passes in the final third and he's not forcing it,” he said.
The Irish international applauded the side’s ability to remain level-headed in their 5-2 romp over West Brom, particularly when the visitors pulled the game back to 2-2.
However, from there – led by Rodríguez – Everton rallied, didn’t panic and created further opportunities to supplement their goals scored column.
Tactical insights into new Everton defender
Everton’s early-season form has been one of the notable stories of the 2020-21 campaign so far. Three wins from three makes for positive reading for Carlo Ancelotti, while new defensive addition Niels Nkounkou impressed against Salford City in the Carabao Cup.
From a statistical perspective, Nkounkou linked well with academy prospect Anthony Gordon down the left-hand side, producing chances worth 1.69 xG (Expected Goals) against the fourth tier outfit.
19-year-old Nkounkou attacked the space down the left flank superbly whenever Gordon tucked in and showed no reservations about getting forward and playing crosses into the penalty area.
In his attacking endeavours, Nkounkou completed each of his six attempted dribbles and four of his nine crosses against Salford – a praiseworthy debut effort from the teenager.
Considering Everton are due to pay just £240,000 in compensation to Olympique Marseille for his signing, it appears they may have sealed a fantastic deal.
