Carlo Ancelotti says Everton’s draw with Burnley on Saturday represents an “acceptable” start to a breathless month of Premier League football.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his 11th league goal of the campaign to equalise in first-half stoppage time after Robbie Brady gave the hosts an early lead.

Everton exerted a grip on the game at Turf Moor following a switch to a three-man midfield in the opening half – the change enforced when Fabian Delph limped off.

Burnley keeper Nick Pope denied second-half substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson a winner deep into added time after impressive saves to thwart Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez.

Everton number one Jordan Pickford brilliantly kept out Chris Wood when the score was 1-0 and acrobatically stopped a header from the same player after the restart.

“It is a draw that helps us move a little bit up the table,” said Everton manager Ancelotti.

“Of course, we wanted to win, we had opportunities, like the one at the end [Sigurdsson’s effort], to have three points.

“But we have to accept the result and performance.

“Mentally we suffered because of the goal we conceded and we had difficulties to come back in the game.

“Then it was difficult because we had the injury to Delph and changed our shape.

“But after 30 minutes we were in the game and, in the end, we played a good game.

“I think we were more comfortable with three midfielders because we are used to playing that system.”

Ancelotti sent on Andre Gomes for Delph, abandoning his wing-back formation and asking Ben Godfrey to play at left-back – the third position filled by the 22-year-old since his transfer from Norwich City in October.

Alex Iwobi, meanwhile, was employed as a right-back but remained one of Everton’s most valuable attacking outlets.

He sent in a succession of menacing deliveries, having started by supplying the ball for Calvert-Lewin to bring a point-blank 13th-minute save from Pope.

Burnley led when Brady located the bottom corner from 25 yards and would have extended their advantage but for Pickford racing from his line to repel Wood.

Calvert-Lewin turned home a low ball from Richarlison to level in the closing seconds of the first half.

And Everton carried their momentum into the second period, with Pope making a sprawling stop to keep out a curling effort from James.

Ancelotti’s side had 13 shots to Burnley’s eight and 59 percent possession but couldn’t force the winner.

They finished the game seventh in the Premier League, four points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur at the top.

Everton welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park next Saturday for the second of six league games in December.

“It is true  we needed to adapt with Godfrey at left-back and Iwobi at right-back and, honestly, they did really well,” said Ancelotti.

“Jordan is back. He played very well.

“He has a lot of quality and for him it is important to stay mentally in good condition and fit and motivated.

“It was a difficult game for Dominic but at the right time he was ready.

“Now he is used to doing this.

“The performance was difficult for him but good

“Also, Richarlison had a really good performance.

“Up front we played quite well.

“Of course, we wanted to win but the point is quite acceptable.”