Defeat almost certainly ended their chances of playing European football as they remain eighth, three points behind Tottenham and West Ham with a vastly inferior goal difference.

Since Christmas Everton have lost at home to the likes of Newcastle, Fulham and Burnley but losing to already-relegated Sheffield United, whose second away win of the campaign still left them 18 points behind 17th-placed Brighton, was a new low.

"It's really difficult. I have to take the responsibility for this of course but I hope the players also take responsibility for this. I am really embarrassed," said Ancelotti.

"Fortunately we have supporters at home for the next game and I hope they wake us up because I think we need to wake up at home.

"It is really difficult to explain what is going on here at home."

On their diminishing European hopes, the Italian added: "We have two games until the end, I think we lost a great opportunity.

"Our chances now are less than before but the only way is to wait to try to get a result with the two games we have to play and see which position we are at the end."

Sheffield United caretaker manager Paul Heckingbottom was delighted for his teenage goalscorer Jebbison.

"Fantastic moment. It couldn't have worked out better for him on his first start in the Premier League," he said.

"He deserved his start. He's a hard-working lad and we know him through how well he has developed at the academy.

"The fact I know how hard he works for the team changed my mind to pick him."

Heckingbottom felt the performance also answered questions which had been levelled at his players.

"It's a good reflection on them," he added. "The questions I got asked when relegation was was confirmed early on were, 'Will the boys keep the fighting spirit to keep the integrity for the the league?'.

"I took that as being disrespectful and an insult to the players."