Everton were inspired by a players’ meeting

Leighton Baines has single-handedly been responsible for at least three points in the last few weeks. First, his penalty drew Everton level against Manchester United to salvage a draw. And then, his last-second goalline clearance preserved the win on Tuesday night against Arsenal.

Speaking to the media yesterday, the veteran left back revealed that the players had a summit to clear the air ahead of the Gunners game that inspired them.

“Sometimes the manner of a win, the fighting spirit we showed, is as pleasing as anything.

“We had to roll our sleeves up, especially at the end. Arsenal are in top form and they are a good side at any point of the season. But it was a great win for us and we needed it. We had to hang on but everyone put a shift in. We are delighted.

“Sometimes you have a period where you don’t win games and your confidence seeps out of you as a team. But that win will put a lot of confidence back into us.

“We had a good talk amongst each other during the week and you saw the reaction on Tuesday night.

“It was a positive result to build us back up again ahead of the derby. It gets the feel-good factor back.

“If you win a game comfortably that’s great, but we take a lot more from the manner in which we won the game against Arsenal.”