We have to try to get points on Saturday - Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has challenged his Everton side to infect Liverpool with their loss against Manchester City on Wednesday night as they challenge for a place in the top four of the Premier League.

The Toffees honoured their outstanding game with the Citizens but failed to go same points as Liverpool, still stuck at 7th position.

The win was City’s 17th consecutive victory in all competitions yet the Everton’s side were on high to halt Guardiola’s side after Richarlison’s close-range goal cancelled Phil Foden’s deflected shot which gave the visitors the lead.

Mahrez and Bernardo registered their name on the score sheet to keep City souring high on top of the Premier League.

“It was a difficult game [against City],” said Ancelotti. 

“From my point of view, the performance was good defensively for one hour. Offensively, we could do better when we had the ball. 

“For one hour, I think we had good control of the game. Defending, of course, because we needed to defend. 

“We were in the game. We worked hard, and the second goal was the key point of the game. We were not able to come back as we were able to in the first half.

“They are the best side we have played this season. They have fantastic quality, they have belief, they are strong.

“They are able to play really well with the ball and to work hard without the ball, also. 

“They don’t give you a lot of possibility to play. We tried to play but it was not so easy because the effort of all their players is really high.”

Everton will visit Anfield on Saturday for the Merseyside derby against Liverpool hoping to catch up with the Champions on same points.

They are unbeaten in their past seven matches away from home and Carlo Ancellotti expects his side to put away the City defeat and hit the Champions at home.

“We have to prepare well for the next game,” Ancelotti added.

“It is a great opportunity. 

“We don’t need to have regrets about tonight [against City], the regrets were against Fulham. 

“We have to try to get points on Saturday. 

“The derby is a special game. We know how it is important for our supporters. 

“And also, away from home, we are on a really good run, so we hope to continue this. “

Liverpool played a 2-2 game at Goodison last year in a game full of drama where Virgil van Dijk sustained an injury which has laid him off for months after his collision with Jordan Pickford.