MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 23:55:29| >> :120:4047:4047:
[monks data]
Everton logo
Premier League | Gameweek 26
Mar 1, 2021 at 8pm UK
Goodison Park
Southampton logo

Everton
1 - 0
Southampton

FT(HT: 1-0)

Armstrong (77'), Tella (80')

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti prepared for "big fight" in top-four race

The Goodison club are two points off the Champions League places after beating Southampton.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti believes getting into the top four this week could be psychologically important for his players.

The 1-0 win over Southampton, courtesy of Richarlison's third league goal in as many games inside the first 10 minutes, moved his side within two points of fourth-placed West Ham with a match in hand.

They could go move above the Hammers on Thursday with a win at struggling West Brom, with rivals Liverpool hosting Chelsea at Anfield later in the evening.

"I think we have a great opportunity for one day, two days, three days, to be in the top four and we would like to touch the position," said Ancelotti.

"We have to put all our thoughts for the game on Thursday to try to be there. I don't know how long (but) it is how we feel when we are there.

"I think it is an opportunity to be there, we can win and be in the top four.

"I think there will be a big fight until the end of the season, until the last game and we have to be pleased we can fight for that position – but this doesn't change our target and that is to be in Europe next season."

Richarlison has now scored five goals in as many games in all competitions after being told by Ancelotti he had to work harder.

His manager does not believe his current run should be seen as anything special though.

"He has answered my call, this is true," he added.

"What can I say, Richarlison is not doing something extraordinary, in my opinion he is doing his job.

"He is a player with this kind of quality. I hope and I am sure he is going to continue."

Richarlison celebrates his goal for Everton
Richarlison has now scored five goals in as many games in all competitions (Peter Byrne/PA)

Conversely Southampton have a problem up front, having scored five goals in nine matches and have taken just one point since beating Liverpool in mid-January.

"We have not the best decisions in the final third," said boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

"Ingsy (Danny Ings) is still a bit short of freshness and we miss his goals definitely. He is the guy who gives us the lead.

"The first goal chance for them was a goal: long ball, losing the header against (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin and then Richarlison with a deep run which is hard to defend.

"For chances that was it for Everton and we had a few in the second half but at the moment we don't find the back of the net.

"You saw a team fighting in the second half but we are missing the final punch in the final third.

"When you don't score and concede one goal you lose games. This is the run we are on and we have to do something to stop it."

ID:437396: cacheID:437396:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7854:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl pictured in February 2021
Read Next:
Ralph Hasenhuttl: 'We must toughen up amid poor run'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!