Mason Holgate praised the home fans who produced a special atmosphere at Goodison Park as Everton beat Chelsea to earn a vital three points in their bid for Premier League survival.
Thousands of Everton fans gathered outside Goodison Park as the team bus arrived before kick-off on Sunday and then made for an incredible atmosphere once the game, which was decided by Richarlison 's goal just after half-time, got under way.
Holgate believes the supporters are 'what makes the club special' - and insists the Blues must maintain the high level they showed in the 1-0 win over Chelsea if they are to ensure they are playing top-flight football next season.
CHRIS BEESLEY: Frank Lampard critics are wrong and Chelsea win showed why he should stay at Everton next season
ADAM JONES: Everton find powerful new weapon as Yerry Mina wind up works wonders
Holgate told Evertontv: “It was a special reception, and it shows what a special club we are. I’m in my seventh year here and I know how big this club is.
“It was a bittersweet moment – receptions like that are what you want to play football for, and it gets the hairs on the back of your neck up. But it [the welcome to the ground] was ultimately because we are somewhere in the table we don’t want to be.
“We had to use that to spur us on, though, and we did that that. The fans were great all day. We matched that with our work-rate. We got a goal and we defended well. No matter what happens, we‘ve got to keep putting our all into it. And with the quality we’ve got, I believe from the bottom of my heart, we will be okay.
“This win is not something we can rest on. We have five more massive games, and we have to keep going the way we did against Chelsea.”
