Gylfi Sigurdsson revealed how Carlo Ancelotti’s final position change did not stop him from entering the area and scoring Everton’s victory over Sheffield United.
The Icelandic international was in the right place at the right time to escape Abdoulaye Doucoure and score the last corner, guaranteeing a 1-0 away win for his team.
This puts the Blues in second place in the Premier League table, having played 15 matches this season.
But after the game, Sigurdsson revealed that his position actually changed just before the winning goal hit home.
The midfielder told BT Sport: “The gaffer just moved me to the defensive midfield, so I’m not sure what I was doing in the area!
“But it was good to get the ball. Bernie [Bernard] lowered wonderfully for Doucs [Doucoure] and then he set me up.
“So it was a nice touch!”
Sheffield United are still looking for their first Premier League win of the season and are at the bottom of the table.
However, Sigurdsson and his teammates knew that a victory would not be easy on Bramall Lane, and the weather did not make things easier.
“We needed to get three points,” he added.
“We knew it would be difficult to come here, I think they were very unlucky this season. They have been in many games in which they lost by one goal or more, they are not a bad team.
“Conditions made things a little difficult, but it was a perfect night – 1-0 away from home.”
Get the latest reactions to the match, Carlo Ancelotti’s next move and more.
We’ll have all the latest updates before the January download window, as well as comments and reviews straight to your inbox every day with our FREE email newsletter.
Sign up here – it only takes seconds!
Everton are high in the table, just two points behind leaders Liverpool – although their rivals have one less game against the Blues.
However, players are still not getting ahead.
When asked if he allows himself to dream, Sigurdsson replied: “No, not yet! It is still too early and things are changing very quickly in this league.
“I think we had a fantastic start, we had a few games where we fell and it didn’t look very good. But we have recovered with four hits now.
“But it is still early. I hope we can continue with this throughout January and it will prepare us well for the rest of the season.”