Jordan Pickford hailed the way his Everton side executed their gameplan against Brighton - but warned them they still have three 'cup finals' left.
Pickford’s Everton side breathed fresh life into their battle to avoid the drop by hammering Brighton 5-1 at the Amex. The victory was the Blues’ first since mid-March.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil both bagged braces, with Jason Steele also scoring an own goal. The win moves the Blues out of the relegation zone and above Leicester City and Leeds United in the table.
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“Off the ball we know what a top side Brighton have been and off the ball the manager has come in and been brilliant for them,” Pickford said post-match.
“We had our gameplan and when it is executed like that it is a great day. Still three cup finals and we have to keep going. You have to take a lot of positives from that.
"The gaffer made a couple of changes. We set the standard early. We have to keep going as a group, the togetherness is there but just don't take the foot off the gas.”
Much has been made of Everton’s inability to score goals so far this season. However, since the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of last month, the Blues have found the back of the net eight times in four games.
"I thought Dominic Calvert-Lewin was quality with his hold up play, Dwight McNeil as well. All the lads got reward for their play, the Everton goalkeeper said when asked about his side's forwards.
Reflecting on his own man of the match display, the England international said: "When called upon I have to be there to make saves and I think I did that today. We have to keep believing and focus on Everton, not what is around us."
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