Sean Dyche praised the mentality of his Everton players after they secured a narrow win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday evening.
Dwight McNeil scored the only goal of the game in the second half as the Toffees picked up their first victory since their 10-point penalty by the Premier League for breaching profit and sustainability rules.
The result continues the Merseyside outfit’s impressive away record in the top flight this season, picking up 13 points in their opening seven games on the road.
“Very pleased, our mentality was excellent,” Dyche told BBC Match of the Day. “I think that’s three away wins on the trot, which is not easy in the Premier League. I’m very pleased for the players.
“It’s a restart. It’s a step in the right direction, but there are plenty more steps to go.
“We’re looking like a side who can create and I’m pleased with the clean sheet here as well. We’ve taken the mentality [from the Manchester United game] into this game.
“I think we’re having a solid season, considering the last couple of seasons. We hit 14 points relatively early. Seventeen points would have been a fairly healthy return. Of course it’s changed, but the mentality and the performance levels are right.
“I think we’re looking like an improved outfit.”
Everton remain inside the relegation zone despite beating Forest, sitting 18th in the Premier League table on seven points.
