‘Almost impossible’ for Everton to compete with Man City, Carlo Ancelotti claims

The Toffees battled but eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti (AP)

Carlo Ancelotti conceded it was "almost impossible" for Everton to compete with Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva powered City to a 3-1 success at Goodison Park, a 17th consecutive win in all competitions that puts them 10 points clear at the top of the table.

City were pushed by Everton in the first half, with Richarlison cancelling out Phil Foden's opener as Pep Guardiola's side conceded a league goal from open play for the first time in 45 days.

But once Mahrez put them back in front with a sweet left-footed strike just after the hour there was no looking back.

While City roll on, the odds on a third league title under Guardiola tumbling with every game at present, it was a third home league defeat in a row for Everton, who remain in the hunt for a top-four place but are letting chances slip by.

With the Merseyside derby to come at Anfield on Saturday, this is a crucial phase in the season.

"It was a really difficult game," Ancelotti said. "For one hour we had good control - defending of course, we needed to defend but for one hour we did well.

"But when they scored the second it was almost impossible to come back again. We don't need to have regret for this game. In this moment you can lose against Manchester City.

"I think they are going the right way to win the title this season."

James Rodriguez came on as a second-half substitute but Allan was not involved, held back as a precaution, while a first-half injury for Yerry Mina looks like ruling the Colombian out of facing Liverpool.

"Mina had a problem on his calf and I think he will not be available for the game on Saturday," Ancelotti said.

"But we hope to have (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin and Allan also."

PA