Carlo Ancelotti hailed himself ‘really satisfied’ by Everton’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Goals from Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ensured the Blues maintained their unbeaten start to the season in Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
Ancelotti’s side managed to weather the storm against their local rivals despite Jordan Henderson’s stoppage-time winner being chalked off by VAR.
And the Everton manager admitted that he was proud of how the Premier League leaders competed with their neighbours and reigning champions.
“We could have won, drawn or lost,” admitted Ancelotti.
“The performance was good; we wanted to compete and we competed really well with a good spirit. I am really satisfied.
“We have to defend better in certain situations but against Liverpool, it’s a really difficult game, offensively and defensively.”
Jordan Pickford made a string of crucial saves which came after an early clash with Virgil van Dijk which could easily have seen the goalkeeper sent off.
But Ancelotti provided a glowing appraisal of the England international.
He said: “He had a good game, made good saves and was focused in goal. It was a good performance.
“The decision was affected by the offside [against van Dijk]. Unfortunately, van Dijk had an injury from it and I hope he recovers soon.”
Ancelotti also commended Calvert-Lewin for matching Tommy Lawton’s 1938/39 feat of scoring in all five of his opening league games this season.
“He scored a fantastic goal, with a fantastic assist from [Lucas] Digne,” he added.
“He knows his best quality is to jump and he was ready to jump as he has been in this period.”