Ancelotti ‘really happy’ with Everton ace DCL after detailing key tactical change
Carlo Ancelotti has praised Dominic Calvert-Lewin for continuing to thrive despite Everton adopting a more defensive approach to games of late.
Calvert-Lewin was the hero on Saturday after his last-gasp equaliser saw the Blues snatch a point at Old Trafford to leave Manchester United shell-shocked.
It was his second goal in as many games but he endured a seven-game barren run in the Premier League before breaking his duck against Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Ancelotti praised his star striker for keeping calm amid a transition in tactics, saying: “He is doing really well.
“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.”
From defence to attack…and back to defence
There are a number of statistics that show how much Everton have altered their approach to games.
The Blues average 49% possession in the Premier League this season but since they drew with Burnley on December 5, where Calvert-Lewin scored his final goal before his goal drought, they have bettered this total just three times in ten outings [per Wyscout].
This, in turn, has seen Ancelotti’s side create fewer opportunities with xG totals of 0.58, 0.52 and 0.50 in successive January games (v Leicester City, Wolves and West Ham) the low point of this, showing a big decrease on their 1.49 average accrued so far this season.
With the likes of key creators Lucas Digne and James Rodriguez missing vital fixtures since the start of December this offers an obvious clue as to why Everton have had to change tact of late.
It is not as if Calvert-Lewin has been playing poorly, he just has not been afforded opportunities at the same regularity as the start of the season.
With the Rodriguez and Digne duo back on the scene the England international has enjoyed a renaissance in front of goal and looks set to fire Everton to European football at this rate.
In other Everton news, see our exclusive interview with Kevin Campbell on why the Blues were right to let this player leave on deadline day.