Everton matchwinner Dwight McNeil says that the squad have been “galvanised” by the 10-point deduction handed down to the club by the Premier League.
The former Burnley winger scored the only goal of the game in the 67th minute against Nottingham Forest as the Toffees bounced back from a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last week.
It’s the Merseyside outfit’s first win since being punished for breaching profit and sustainability rules, against which Everton have appealed. Fans protested the points deduction during the United game at Goodison Park by waving cards that read ‘corrupt’ and did so again at the City Ground on Saturday.
“It was a massive result after what’s happened,” McNeil told BBC Match of the Day. “I thought we were amazing for the full 90 mins and deserved the win.
“The lads were telling me to get back post because I get more goals there. I am happy to contribute to the team winning.
“The points deduction? It’s definitely galvanised us and we are more together and that shows on the pitch. We know we have the fans behind us and it’s all about focusing on ourselves.”
Everton remain inside the relegation zone despite their win over Forest, sitting 18th in the Premier League table on seven points from their opening 14 games after the points deduction.
