Carlo Ancelotti has praised Alex Iwobi and his Everton teammates despite their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Two late goals from Edison Cavani and Anthony Martial saw United United progress into the semi-finals at the expense of Iwobi’s Everton.
The Red Devils will now host city rivals Manchester City for a place in the final.
And reflecting on the defeat Ancelotti rued his side’s inability to utilise the few chances that came their way.
“It was a good performance, we defended well, properly.
“We had a difficult start but after 20 minutes the game was under control.
“We didn’t play attacking football but we needed to defend and until the last three minutes we defended well.
“We were good defensively until the end and were close to penalties.
“They had more control and quality, we know this.
“The plan was to defend well and we did, we had some opportunities with set-pieces and counter-attacks.
“That was the game we planned.”
The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager added:”The team performed, they sacrificed and worked hard, with a good spirit, we lost and we look for the next game.
“We planned the game to defend and to try to use our qualities on the counter attack. We missed some passes but we were close.”
In the other semi-finals Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Championship club Brentford.
The North London club beat Stoke City 3-1 while Brentford edged Newcastle 1-0.
