Everton midfielder Tom Davies optimistic for Leicester clash after improved showing against Chelsea

  • Everton were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round
  • Match was caretaker manager David Unsworth's first in charge
  • Unsworth made several changes including bringing back Tom Davies 

Tom Davies has urged his Everton team-mates to build on their improved display at Chelsea and target victory against Leicester on Sunday.

The midfielder, 19, was among those recalled by caretaker manager David Unsworth in their first fixture since the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

Although the 2-1 defeat ensured their elimination at the fourth-round stage of the Carabao Cup, it also represented one of their finest performances of what has so far been a difficult season.

Everton midfielder Tom Davies takes on Chelsea during Wednesday night's Carabao Cup clash

Everton midfielder Tom Davies takes on Chelsea during Wednesday night's Carabao Cup clash

Unsworth, who wants to succeed Koeman on a permanent basis, has already spoken of their need to go on a winning run, and on Sunday will come up against a team working for the first time under new manager Claude Puel.


'Conceding late made it tough but we were better,' Davies told Everton's official website. 'We will take a lot from that second half.

'Chelsea are one of the best teams in the league so we can build on the performance we put in.

'Hopefully that carries on and we can keep building on this display. If we can do that then I am sure the result will come.

'We are focusing on Leicester and putting in a similar display. Hopefully we can pick up the result to match. If we can play like that again I'm sure we can do that.'

Davies closes down Brazilian midfielder Willian, who netted Chelsea's second goal on the night

Davies closes down Brazilian midfielder Willian, who netted Chelsea's second goal on the night

Chelsea's Antonio Conte also made numerous changes to his team and handed Ethan Ampadu his full debut amid rare starts for Charly Musonda and Kenedy.

The 17-year-old Ampadu was among those he praised post-game, and the midfielder - a Chelsea supporter - insists he was never concerned about the lack of first-team chances for young players at Stamford Bridge.

He also says he was inspired by the opportunity to play alongside those he had long admired, and said: 'You could think about (Chelsea's reputation) but I wanted to think about what I wanted to do as a player. I'm trying to fulfil my dreams.

The 17-year-old Ethan Ampadu, signed in the summer from Exeter, made his first Chelsea start

The 17-year-old Ethan Ampadu, signed in the summer from Exeter, made his first Chelsea start

'It gave me more confidence. If you go in to a club like Chelsea and hesitate, you might not be able to show what you can do.

'I wanted to show what I could do to these players so they could help me out.

'I was watching and learning from them on TV a few months ago. I'm still doing that now in training; watching how they move and what they do.

'It's gone so quickly but that's helped me. I haven't had much time to really think about it; I'm just going out there playing.'