Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says it would be a ‘dream’ to finish in the Premier League top four this season.
The Toffees remained in European contention with a 1-0 home victory over Southampton on Monday.
Richarlison scored in the ninth minute after being sent through on goal by Gylfi Sigurdsson.
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Michael Keane then had a goal ruled out for offside as Everton held on for all three points.
Speaking about the club’s aspirations, Ancelotti told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “To fight for European places we need to improve the home run, this performance and victory can help us have a better run at home.
“It will be a dream to be in the top four at the end of the season. We are quite close if we win on Thursday. But the decision is long – we have to stay in our goal which is to play Europa [League] next season.”
When asked about the performance, Ancelotti continued: “Very good. It’s been a very good week. I really appreciate the teamwork, we were focused defensively, had a good combination up front. The performance was good and we deserved to win.
“We won a second ball and then Richarlison did a good movement, our striker was a little bit different. Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) played centre right and did in my opinion really well.
“Richarlison is a fantastic talent, we have two fantastic strikers with different characteristics.
“When you are 1-0 up the last minutes are always the same, the opposition team puts a lot of power in and we had to control. They had practically one opportunity. Pickford was good in goal, really secure. I am really pleased.”
Southampton barely managed to land a glove on Everton.
However, Ancelotti will be hoping his team can capitalise on their dominance in the future.
Richarlison’s goal was their only shot on target throughout the match.
Their next game is against West Brom on Thursday at 18:00.
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