Dwight McNeil has revealed how Everton claimed their first Premier League win of the season against Crystal Palace.
Sean Dyche’s side trailed at the interval of Saturday’s Goodison Park encounter but rallied in the second half as McNeil struck a rapid brace.
It marked the first time that the Toffees, who moved up to 15th in the table, had won at home under Dyche in a game where they had conceded.
McNeil has now lifted the lid on the discussions which took place inside the Goodison dressing room after falling behind to the Londoners.
“It was a bit of both between the gaffer and the lads talking with each other,” said the playmaker
“Skip (Séamus Coleman) had a big part in that as well, coming in and talking to everyone. But sometimes it shouldn’t need to get that point. We should take ownership ourselves.
“We knew the first half we didn’t play well so it was just about doing the basics well, working together as a team and [knowing] chances would come.
“I think Jack Harrison coming on for the second half made a big difference as well and Youngie (Ashley Young) was amazing again.”
Jarrad Branthwaite also made a long-awaited return for the hosts after missing the opening two months of the campaign through injury.
And McNeil admits that the defender was frustrated by his prolonged spell on the sidelines.
“I’m close with ‘Jazza’ and I know he was frustrated when he was injured,” he admits.
“It maybe took him a bit longer than he wanted to but the main thing is he’s young and a massive part of our squad. I’m happy to see him back.
“He’s a massive player and has a massive future ahead of him.”