What Everton players were told at half time as inspiration for comeback revealed

Everton’s comeback against Crystal Palace was built on emotion rather than tactics, Sean Dyche said. The Blues were overwhelmed in the first half, ending it behind to Marc Guehi’s goal and after the visitors had repeatedly threatened to add to their lead.

But two Dwight McNeil strikes in the opening minutes of the second half swung the momentum towards Everton and, after four games in which the club had surrendered a lead, Dyche’s side finally held on for a victory.

Asked what happened in the dressing room to inspire the change in fortunes, Dyche said: “Not a lot. We just tried to correct a few things and told them it is a team game and everyone has got to make a difference and not wait for someone else. I just felt we played a bit cagey, which is understandable, it is a nervy stadium to get that first win, and I think we handled the second half very well.

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“There was one great moment from Dwight and another good moment and after that I thought we managed the game well, which obviously has come into question this season so I was very pleased with the mentality to see the game out and manage it well because I think we kept them down to pretty minimal with regard to clear cut chances.”

Adam Wharton had dictated play in the first 45 minutes but Everton were able to seize the initiative from the talented midfielder with McNeil’s goals. The second was created by half-time substitute Jack Harrison, who replaced Jesper Lindstrom.

Dyche said he had urged his players to work together in the hope of inspiring the comeback. He added: “It's hard to explain. I was explaining to the lads, sometimes in football, you wait for someone else to make a difference. And sometimes they do, of course, but in a game when no one's quite making a difference, then it's got to be a collective. So it's more about that, bringing not just a tactical thing, it's like a feel to an actual performance, that kind of emotional feel to wear the shirt, to get together, to play hard, to go and win a game. And I thought there was more edge to our game in the second half and the way they've delivered that was important.”

Palace had much of the second half to do what Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Southampton and Leicester City had done and find a way to hit back. This time Everton held firm. Dyche said: “We debrief games, we speak to them and you learn, that's what you want. It's not that exact, it's not that easy, else everyone would do it. It's showing them ways that we can kill the game off, showing them to keep their shape, it’s the hard yards and, you know, professional things. And, I appreciate the fans want glorious football constantly. It's hard to deliver that. So it is the professional things - just lift it behind them, ask questions of the opposition. Go and turn the game around and defend resolutely. These are some of the basic principles. And don't forget to do the absolute basics which are head it, kick it and clear the lines and I thought we did that very well as the game went on.”