EVERTON followed up a memorable Merseyside Derby victory by securing another three points against a struggling Southampton side on Monday night.

The return of Allan and Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI a convincing feel before the game. Both played their part in this narrow win, and it was a boost for the Italian and his side to have almost all their players fit.

Yerry Mina and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are the only two on the sidelines through injury, and Allan’s return to midfield will be vital alongside the omnipresent Abdoulaye Doucoure who has been one of the signings of the season, not just for Everton but in the Premier League generally.

“We defended well and Allan did a good job,” Ancelotti said after the game.

“But the key point was that the three strikers, Richarlison, Dominic and Gylfi [Sigurdsson], tried to press high.

“Of course with Allan at the back, we are more able to do this because he covers a lot of pitch in that position.”

Ancelotti turned to his staff in celebration as the final whistle blew — an indication that this wasn’t a routine win, and also an indication of what such victories mean to Everton’s hopes of finishing in the top four.

The Everton boss commented earlier in the week that last week’s victory at Anfield was important not just because Liverpool are local rivals but also because they are top-four rivals.

Important saves from Jordan Pickford made sure the home side hung on to the three points against Ralph Hassenhuttl’s Southampton who have only won one of their last 14 games, against Liverpool no less, but perhaps even more worryingly have lost nine of those.

Richarlison scored the game’s only goal after good work from Calvert-Lewin to win an aerial duel with Mohammed Salisu, and then from Sigurdsson who played the Brazilian in on goal.

“Calvert-Lewin didn’t score but had a fantastic game,” Ancelotti said of his returning striker, before turning his thoughts to the goalscorer.

“Richarlison is not doing something extraordinary now, in my opinion. He is doing his job because he is a player with this kind of quality. I hope, I am sure, it’s going to continue.”