Calvert-Lewin criticism is fair despite his goals, says Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has said it was fair to criticise Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a profligate display against Crystal Palace despite the Everton striker enjoying the most productive season of his career.

Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison missed several clear opportunities to deliver Everton’s second home league win of 2021 last Monday before Michy Batshuayi equalised in the 86th minute for Palace. Both strikers were criticised after the game, including by their manager, and Ancelotti insists 19 goals from the England international at club level this season does not make him immune to a few home truths.

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The Everton manager said: “I spoke with Dominic about the situations he had in the game. We tried to improve the situation, we have worked on this, but to be criticised is absolutely normal and sometimes it is also fair. After the game I said Dominic Calvert‑Lewin and Richarlison could do better in these situations and they know this, absolutely.

“I don’t think they were happy after the game, they were really disappointed after the opportunities they had. You have to accept the critics sometimes, no problem. I think Dominic accepted it. He understood the problem and he has worked on this in the week.”

Everton are without a win in four games and visit Brighton on Monday with Ancelotti admitting that to qualify for Europe his team must find the consistency that has eluded them since the start of the season.

“I think with more consistency obviously we would have a better position in the table. But also we didn’t have consistency at home, so it is a good position for us considering how we were last season. Last season we were closer to the relegation zone than the top.

“Considering all this and that we didn’t have good consistency at home we are in a good position and we fight for the target we had at the start of the season. We said we were inconsistent at home but really consistent away – away we won really important games, the derby for instance.

“We have to wait a little bit to see if we are able to reach the European positions at the end of the season and if we do this it will be a fantastic season.”