Sean Dyche has warned his Everton squad that they still have 'three more big steps' to take before their Premier League future is assured.
The Toffees gave their chance of survival a huge boost with a 5-1 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium of Monday night, a result which helped send Leeds United into the bottom three, along with Nottingham Forest's win over Southampton.
Everton host title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday, a day after Leeds take on Newcastle United at Elland Road, and Dyche knows that the battle is far from over. However, he insist he has always believed in his players.
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"They're very high feeling the feel-good factor," Dyche said. "But it's only another step. I said that after Arsenal, and sometimes people forget that. There's three more big steps we've got to take.
"People will be out there thinking right, OK, there's life in that team but we've never lost sight of that. It just reminds the players that their work ethic, their commitment to the cause, their commitment to the group is really important because I know there's quality.
"I've always believed there's quality. I've said it many times, but talking about it doesn't win you a game. It's the collective mentality to go and deliver everything you've got.
"We were very frustrated not to come away with all three points (against Leicester) but we got a reward for carrying on that mentality in their performances tonight."
It was Everton's first away league win in 14 attempts and could not have come at a more opportune time, with just three matches now remaining to secure their top-flight safety.
Abdoulaye Doucoure's strike after 34 seconds laid down what retrospectively ultimately felt like an emphatic opening statement as both he and Dwight McNeil went on to scores braces on either side of the half.
Victory meant Dyche's side are safe for the time being, with league leaders Manchester City up next followed by encounters with Wolves and Bournemouth.
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