Everton inspired by Unsworth’s special team talk

Everton came from two goals behind to complete a rousing 3-2 win over Watford at Goodison Park today. Goals from Oumar Niasse, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Leighton Baines sealed the win, though there was a heart-stopping moment right at the end when former Blue Tom Cleverley missed a 100th minute penalty.

After the game, veteran Baines told evertontv that interim manager David Unsworth had given the players a rousing team talk before the game.

“We know we have good players, players that are better than the league table and our performances have been showing.

“It was good to win... and it was dramatic, so it feels great. But it is nothing to get too carried away with. It is the type of win we should be getting here at Goodison Park and will, hopefully, build momentum.

“It makes it extra special (winning for Unsworth). He has been top drawer. I have loved the training sessions he has put on and the way he has conducted himself.

“His talk before the game today was special. We would like to have given him more, and achieved better results – but we have got him a win today, which he deserved, at the least.”

Speaking about the penalty that he converted to get the late win -

“I had an understanding of the situation I was in. I knew where I was going to go with the penalty. I knew I might score and there was a possibility I might not. I stepped up and was happy to see it go in.

“It (the win) is a definite momentum builder… with the manner of it, the emotional rollercoaster. I am sure it was a tough watch.

“There was a wait for our penalty and I am sure people were getting anxious, then they had a penalty. It was really emotional and the type of game that can give us something to build on.”