It was a long time ago since Carlo Ancelotti took to the sideline for his first ever game as Everton boss.
Against Burnley at Goodison last season it was a snippet of how this Everton side would perform under the Italian and he loved every second of it.
“I have a good memory, the reception I had was one of the best moments of my career.”
Ancelotti showed his qualities that he is renowned for in that game.
Resolute and stubborn but with a cutting edge as the Toffees won the game 1-0.
That is what this season so far has been built on and it has laid down the foundations for success but what is success?
European football was always the aim but with the Champions League looking so close it would be a killer to miss out on such a good opportunity.
But that is the problem this season, everyone is so close.
Everton got ahead of rivals Liverpool who have been in abysmal form yet they are only three points behind them.
Tottenham, who no one had taken into consideration, are only one point behind them.
One slip up and Everton could potentially be out of the European spots never mind the Champions League dream.
So, every game is a must-win but some games are acceptable to lose like the Chelsea match, they were just too good for Everton.
No need for a meltdown, no need for an over-reaction it was just one of those days when the opposition are better and that will happen once or twice again this season.
The times when it happens and the meltdowns are slightly more appropriate are the home losses against the likes of Newcastle and Fulham.
So, if it were to happen against Burnley then the fans can feel let down, as it should not happen on paper considering the Clarets have gone on a five-game winless run.
It is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of injury news for the blues as Seamus Coleman, Yerry Mina and Tom Davies are back from their respective injuries.
Unfortunately, though Abdoulaye Doucoure will not be available and has been ruled out for the next eight to ten weeks as he has a small fracture on his foot.
Ancelotti also confirmed that Fabian Delph and James Rodriguez will not be available for the Burnley game but that could open the door for a new combination up top.
“Josh (King) is ready to start, the shape would be 4-3-3 I think. I think Josh in a 4-4-2 can play as a winger as well” said Ancleotti keeping us all guessing.
He did reveal what slight change he would like to make for the Burney game though as he said: “I don’t think to change the style of our play, but we have to play more forward and press more high.
“I think that, for the next game, we can press more forward and keep our defensive line higher.”
That will be pivotal against a side like Burnley who have caused Everton problems already this season in their 1-1 draw in Turf Moor.
Conceding an early goal should be at the top of the not to-do list as it is hard enough at 0-0 to break down Sean Dyche’s side.
Three key players for Burnley will be missing though as Ashley Barnes, Jack Cork and Charlie Taylor will all still be side-lined.
It’ll still be a challenge for Everton, and Ancelotti needs to make sure they don’t fall at any hurdles that are easy enough to jump over.
As eighth place is only three scary points away.
Written by Elliot Thompson
