Carlo Ancelotti was named by the Premier League as the Barclays Manager of the Month for September and indeed, the Italian deserves it more than he fellows who were nominated - Jurgen Klopp, Brendan Rodgers and Dean Smith.

It’s the fifth time the 61-year-old has won the award and his first since April 2011. His other four came at Chelsea.

His arrival into the Premier League for Everton was a story waiting to be written following the Toffees poor start of last season under Marco Silva, who was later sacked when the Reds demolished their rivals in the derby by 5-2 which pushed them to 18th on the league table.

As he promised in his first press conference, Ancelotti is committed to the course and the backing of the owners will indeed empower the Toffees to the top.

"I am really excited. I want to try my best to help the team to be better and to help the club to be competitive and to give happiness to supporters," he said in his first press conference ahead of the Boxing Day visit of Burnley.

“There is a lot of time that this club didn’t win; it takes time, it will not be overnight but we have to be patient. With a clear idea and focus, I am sure we are going to improve.”

The former Napoli coach did a good transfer business and his influence was key in acquiring a superstar in the person of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid to kick start the midfield of Everton into a competitive club.

Dominic-Calvert Levin’s confidence in front of the post has been restored and reconditioned making him the leading goalscorer in the elite competition after four matches to earn the September's Player of the Month prize, the first time Everton have claimed awards double.

“He is a complete striker. It is not easy to find a striker with these characteristics,” Ancelotti said ahead of the visit of Brighton.

“He has a lot of energy, is really fast. I am really pleased he is doing really well and scoring goals because at the end a striker is judged on the goals he scores.

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Allan and Doucoure’s roles have been defined and their contribution is indeed paying off for the Toffees who lead the table by 12 points.

The Italian picked victories against Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in the month before whipping Brighton in the current month.

"I'm really pleased," Ancelotti said. "It's a great achievement. I have to share with my team and my players.

"We've started really well and we hope to continue it and to win this award again."

Everton are yet to face their biggest test after the International break in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday., October 17, 2020.

According to Ancelotti, winning the Premier League is not his yardstick, but to finish in the top four and play in Europe. He revealed that he was motivated by his first victory away to Spurs.

"The key was the first match at Tottenham Hotspur," he said. "That victory increased our confidence.

"We worked well in the transfer market. We signed players that we need and they've adapted really fast.

"Our target is to reach Europe next season and to stay at the top for as long as possible."