Why the FA Cup is more important than the top four for Everton - opinion

Everton are enjoying a strong season in Carlo Ancelotti’s first full campaign in charge.

That has put them in with a chance of achieving two major objectives – winning a trophy and finishing in the top four.

Given the crazy nature of the season and the financial rewards on offer, perhaps some would rather qualify for the Champions League than win a first piece of silverware since 1995.

But tonight’s game against Tottenham is as important as any game Everton have played this season.

The Toffees meekly surrendered to Manchester United in the last eight of the EFL Cup in December.

That meant one of only two realistic chances to win a trophy went by the wayside.

Tonight’s draw has not been much kinder to them but it’s still a home tie to reach a cup quarter-final.

If Everton win, they’ll have a one in eight chance of winning a trophy Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal have all been eliminated from.

Ending that trophy drought has to be Ancelotti’s priority and there are no second chances tonight.

The top four race will go to the wire. Everton can make up ground there in the closing weeks of the season.

But even making it into Europe wouldn’t be as thrilling as winning the cup at Wembley.

Clinching silverware would ensure Ancelotti takes his rightful place in Toffees history.

Too many times in recent years, decent chances to win silverware have been tossed away. That trend has to stop tonight.