Alex Iwobi was missing in action, but Carlo Ancelotti picked up his first win in his first game as Everton’s manager as the Toffees secured a narrow win over Burnley on Boxing Day.
Iwobi missed the game after Ancelotti confirmed he is set for a spell on the sidelines. The 23-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in Everton’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal last weekend and has been ruled out for two to three weeks.
But his absence was not felt as Everton secured the three points over Sean Dyche’s men in what was Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge.
The Italian was announced as the Toffees boss last weekend and would be delighted with the win in his first game.
But it was not an easy win for the former Real Madrid manager. The Toffees were frustrated by a well organized Burnley side as they had to wait until the 80th minute to find the breakthrough.
It came via the head of Dominic Calvert Lewin, heading home from a Djibril Sidibe’s cross. The win lifted Everton to 13th on the Premier League table with 22 points.
Next up for Ancelotti is a trip to the North East where they will take on Steve Bruce’s Newcastle side.