Carlo Ancelotti says he’s still feeling positive about Everton’s top six chances even though they dropped points to Aston Villa.
The Toffees travelled to Villa Park on Thursday evening with the hope of taking an important three points.
But they were held by some dogged defending from Dean Smith’s men, leaving them in eighth place on 56 points.
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Tyrone Mings almost opened the scoring in the first half. Douglas Luiz crossed for the England defender, who failed to keep his header on target.
After the break, Ben Godfrey threw himself at a free-kick and forced a near-post save from Emi Martinez.
The Toffees did well to keep the returning Jack Grealish at bay, as the Villa skipper rarely got near their box.
Andre Gomes saw a late effort blocked by substitute Ahmed Elmohamady.
Speaking after the draw, Ancelotti told BBC Sport: “It is a point. What can I say? Not satisfied for the result, satisfied for the performance. We could win but we have to take this point and try to win the next game. We have to try to win the home games, where we have had difficulty this season.
“Villa are a good team, to win here is not easy. I think our performance was the best that we can. We could probably do a bit better with the final pass or final shot but in general the performance was good.”
When asked about their chances of qualifying for Europe, Ancelotti continued: “I am really positive. We have a great opportunity and we have to try to do our best. I said at the start of the season the European positions will be decided by the last game. We want to be there.”
Everton now need wins in their final three fixtures to have any chance of European qualification. They take on relegated Sheffield United in their next game on Sunday evening.
Wolves are their next opponents after that, followed by Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Toffees will need top six rivals West Ham and Spurs to drop points in the final few weeks.
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