Bernard declared his sparkling performance at West Ham United on Saturday as his best in an Everton shirt so far and believes the confidence gained from netting his maiden Premier League goal “will make it natural for more to come”.
The Toffees ran out 2-0 winners at the London Stadium, with Kurt Zouma also on target as Marco Silva’s men dominated from first minute to last.
Bernard was a persistent attacking menace against the Hammers, with his potent blend of invention, dazzlingly quick feet and directness coming to the fore in a man-of-the-match performance.
The 26-year-old summer signing from Shakhtar Donetsk embarked on five dribbles during the game, a total matched by only countryman Richarlison during the game.
His work-rate and team ethic also caught the eye. Bernard recovered possession 14 times, more than any other player on the pitch, and covered an impressive 6.4 miles.
The Brazilian showcased his predatory instincts to double the Blues’ lead on the day, perfectly timing his run into the penalty area and slotting in from Seamus Coleman’s cross.
With his confidence buoyed by a first Premier League strike, Bernard has set his sights on delivering more decisive contributions for Everton.
The skilful winger pointed to his experience of playing for Atletico Miniero, when he went on to score 11 goals in 30 games after netting his debut goal for the Brazilian club.
“I think I have played some good matches for Everton but, especially because I scored, I think it was my best match,” Bernard told evertontv.
“It was a very happy moment for me. Scoring is very important for a forward.
“The first one is always the toughest. It was the same for me when I played for Atletico.
“It took a little while [to open my account] but after the first goal went in, a lot of goals came.
“Now I can be more calm and it is going to be natural for more goals to come.”
Saturday’s success at West Ham lifted Everton up to ninth in the table, with the Blues now just a point behind Wolverhampton Wanderers in seventh position.
The scale of the Blues’ dominance at the London Stadium is underlined by the fact they had 17 efforts on goal, compared to the home side’s three.
The conclusive victory is all the more impressive given the Hammers were unbeaten in their previous six home matches in the Premier League.
Bernard says the players are now determined to build on their momentum as the Toffees target a third straight victory when Arsenal visit Goodison Park on Sunday (2.05pm).
“To beat West Ham here is not easy, so I am very happy with everything that happened,” added the forward.
“They are always good playing at their own stadium. It helps us in the table, too, and will give us more confidence for the next match.
“It was a very a happy day for me. I scored a goal and it was a brilliant victory.”
