Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hailed Everton's mentality and revealed Thierno Barry returned from his summer break a different player after the midfielder scored in the Blues' 3-1 Premier League victory over Coventry City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday night.
It was the first time David Moyes' side had come from behind this season to claim all three points, though they have scored a number of late goals to rescue a point in earlier matches. Dewsbury-Hall believes his side's mentality has gone to another level this season, and the way the Blues reacted to falling behind to Yann Gboho's goal is proof.
Mentality shift
"I just think our mentality this year has gone from strength," he said. "You saw in the early games this season we scored a couple last minute equalisers. We never know when we are out of a game. Look, every time we have gone down this season, we have reacted in a positive manner."
"Today it was almost like their goal kicked us into gear - which shouldn't happen really, but it did - and I thought after they scored we just turned it up a notch. We were fantastic for the last 30 minutes. They couldn't deal with it."
On the win, Dewsbury-Hall admitted: "Very, very important. It has been a fantastic week. Three games, three wins. I'm so happy with how the lads managed to respond to going down tonight. I'm just really happy we managed to get the three points here at home, so happy, happy days."
Barry's impact
Dewsbury-Hall's goal came after Barry scored a brace in the space of five second-half minutes. Only Manchester City star Erling Haaland (nine) has more league goals this season than the Frenchman, who has 10 for the campaign in all competitions. While the forward is enjoying a hot streak in front of goal, his movement, positioning and awareness have also improved.
When asked about his blossoming partnership with Barry, Dewsbury-Hall revealed: "I'm really, really enjoying it. I've got a really good hybrid role in this team, where the gaffer is giving me the freedom to pop up all over the pitch. I feel like I'm getting a really good relationship with Thierno now."
"I'm buzzing that he keeps on getting the goals because he deserves it so much. He's come back from the summer like a different player, and all credit to him because without him tonight - to kick-started us into the gear - we probably don't win the game."
England snub
Dewsbury-Hall played a key role in his side's third win in eight days, but that impressive form still wasn't enough to earn a first England call-up on Friday. Although snubbed for a second time this season, Thomas Tuchel admitted that the midfielder was close to being called up for the Nations League games against Spain and Croatia.
"It was a disappointing morning, I'm not going to lie," Dewsbury-Hall admitted when asked about Tuchel's decision. "It's a massive dream to play for my country. I know I was close. Yeah, sad, but really proud of myself and how I have reacted. All I can keep doing is putting in good performances and hopefully one day I get the nod, because I'm never going to give up. I've got the mentality. I'll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens."
