Carlo Ancelotti says Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now having to work harder to score goals because Everton are no longer playing "attacking football".
The Blues' No9 has 13 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season but the bulk of those came by early December.
Calvert-Lewin scored his 11th goal of the league campaign in the 1-1 draw at Burnley but has since seen Everton change the way they play which has meant for fewer chances.
But the 23-year-old has scored two league goals in his last two, including last night's 95th minute equaliser against Manchester United, and Ancelotti has been full of praise for the way the striker has adapted in order to rediscover his scoring touch.
"He is doing really well," Ancelotti said.
"At the start of the season he had the advantage that we played more attacking football.
"Now, in the last period we are more focused defensively. When you play against Manchester United you have to defend but he has been working hard to score goals in the last two games. I am really, really happy about his performance."
*Who was your Everton man of the match vs Manchester United? Have your say HERE
Calvert-Lewin is joint second in the Premier League scoring charts and his goal at Old Trafford means he has already matched his tally from last term - but with 18 matches still left to play.
"He has improved but always has to improve," Ancelotti added.
"He has not reached his best level yet. He improved in the box. Outside of the box he can be effective like he was today."
