Dwight McNeil has revealed the talk that helped spark Everton’s revival.
Sean Dyche’s side head into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton on the back of five victories from their previous seven games in all competitions.
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Burnley proved to be among the Blues’ more fluid displays with a firm command and a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.
But McNeil admits the catalyst for this resurgence was a pre-season summit between the squad and Dyche’s coaching staff to talk through their targets.
He said: “We had that meeting before the start of the season. We all came together and we all said that we want the same thing.
“It was a discussion with everyone, players and staff, about what we want as a collective mindset so everyone knows what is required.
“We want the best for each other. We want the best for ourselves; we want the best for the club and the fans. We want to do as well as we can together.
“If everyone believes we have got a good team, now we have got to show everyone that we are a good team.
“Now, especially in the last seven games, you are seeing us getting more wins and keeping more clean sheets, and that is what we want to do.”
McNeil provided an assist to James Tarkowski for the opener against their old club in midweek which took their combined tally for Everton to three goals.
And the winger, who also teed up his teammate for efforts against Arsenal and Brentford, claims their off-field relationship is key to that understanding.
“I think it helps us being good mates off the pitch as well because me and Tarky are dead close. We have that instant connection,” added McNeil.
“He is just always there on the end of crosses, which is good, and he attacks and defends both boxes so well, and he is a key player for us.
“It is just one of them things that clicks, and I am enjoying it.”