Demarai Gray believes Everton’s win over West Ham was 'mentally' massive for his side - and has hailed the arrival of Neal Maupay.
The forward's second-half strike handed Everton a 1-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. The victory at Goodison Park was the Blues' first in the Premier League this season.
There was a scare for Everton as Hammers substitute Said Benrahma's deflected left-foot shot struck the post in the second half, but they held on for consecutive league clean sheets for the first time in over a year.
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"West Ham made it difficult for us. We made it a bit harder for ourselves at times," Gray said after the game.
"In the first half. We were a bit sloppy but I think the goal came at a perfect time and the reaction from the fans as well helped us massively. We did well to see it through."
Gray then continued on his side's first league win of the season, saying: “It's key and I think it's been coming. I think our performances have been good and we've deserved more over the last few weeks. Hopefully we can build on that.
"The spirit's been good although we hadn't won a game in the Prem yet. I think there's a different feeling around the place.
“There's confidence and energy in the camp and I think you've seen it in our performances. We look a lot stronger, a lot [more] solid and more of a threat. Mentally it's massive for the team.”
Maupay joined from Brighton for £15m at the end of the summer transfer window. The forward endured a frustrating start to his Blues career when he missed a gilt-edged chance in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in his first apperance for Frank Lampard's side.
However, Maupay made no mistake against the Hammers. After turning on Alex Iwobi's pass, he smashed the ball past Lukasz Fabianksi as it sat up on the bounce.
“Massive for him to get his first goal, a good confidence boost for him,” Gray replied when asked how important it was for his team-mate to get off the mark.
“Since he's come in he's been a good addition. He's fit in well with the squad. His attitude's good, he trains well so he's been great and I'm just delighted that he got his first goal.”
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