The scoreline may have said it was only 1-0, but Everton were more dominant than that against Brighton.

The Toffees had six shots on target to their opponents’ two, as well as having 53% possession to 47%, but only Richarlison’s goal separated the two sides at the end of 90 minutes. Still, Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to be too unhappy, with this now giving him his third win since joining the club in December.

Call yourself an Everton expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?

Whilst there may have been a lack of proficiency up front, there were no problems at the other end of the pitch. The Goodison Park outfit kept another clean sheet – their third since the Italian’s arrival, and they have now conceded just four during that time, which compares to 12 during the six matches preceding his appointment.

Mason Holgate was in particularly good form against the Seagulls. The 23-year-old managed one tackle, two interceptions and a team-leading seven clearances. On the ball, too, he looked composed and comfortable alongside Michael Keane, amassing a 92% passing accuracy whilst also completing 10 of his 12 long balls.

There have been reports that Ancelotti is keen to purchase a centre-back during this January transfer window. The Toffees have been linked with a number of players in that position, in particular Merih Demiral from Serie A champions Juventus. The Turkey international has started just four league matches in Italy this term, but has picked up an average rating of 7.11.

Indeed, the £18m-valued man – as per Transfermarkt – would be a fantastic addition to Ancelotti’s side, but that must be to partner rather than replace the former Barnsley man.

Michael Keane was also in good form against Brighton, with a match rating from WhoScored of 7.64, but he has plenty of chances, and he has been consistently lambasted by portions of the club’s fanbase. It is time for the heart of defence to be rejuvenated, and a partnership of Holgate and Demiral is certainly an intriguing one.

Watch Everton Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Ancelotti will want to put his stamp on this team as soon as possible, and this decision would give him the chance to do it. On Saturday, Holgate may just have forced his way into his manager’s long-term plans.

In other news, Everton fans are disgusted by one thing in comparison with Liverpool.