Sean Dyche says Wednesday night's 2-0 derby victory over Liverpool is a reward for the Evertonians and their “incredible” support, describing the win as “one for the people”.

The result represents Everton’s first home victory over their local rivals since October 2010, ending a 12-game winless run.

Jarrad Branthwaite struck the Blues into the lead in the first half, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin produced a towering header to double the Toffees’ advantage in the second period, netting his third goal in his past four matches.

Dyche, giving his reaction to his first Merseyside derby at Goodison, said: “To give the people that, it’s pleasing for all of us. You know what it’s like. The news changes quickly. A few weeks ago, people were saying: ‘Do they care?’ They care. We care. There are no two ways about that, and I think we made that clear as a collective.

“Another clean sheet, as well, so I’m pleased with that. A couple of really big saves from Jordan. We get a little bit lucky with the one that hits the inside of the post, but we’ve created enough chances ourselves.

“The energy of the side, the commitment to the cause, and the shape were all in place, and they have to when you play some of these sides. I thought the general performance was very good, and the reward is a big result against our local rivals.”

Pickford’s display, along with a solid defensive showing, helped the Blues towards another clean sheet, with only Arsenal’s David Raya keeping more clean sheets (14) than the Everton goalkeeper (11) this season.

The fans were another key factor, says Dyche, who commended the Toffees’ supporters for their role in the victory.

“I said it was a game for the people,” he continued. “I don’t understand the depth of these derbies because I’m not from here, but I’m learning quickly about what it’s like, and that one is for the people, and certainly one for the Evertonians, without a shadow of a doubt.

“The Toffees, I asked them to rise, and they are doing. Their voice was incredible. The noise was incredible, and the reaction to the performance was incredible, so we’re very pleased with that.

“[The fans] have been brilliant. Obviously, we got heavily questioned after the result at Chelsea, and rightly so. We all hold our hands up, but all I asked was to keep their noses pointing in the right direction – all of us, and they have done.

“They stood by us on Sunday, and we rewarded that with a good performance and a win. They stood by us again tonight and made it such an awkward place for Liverpool to come.”

Dyche hopes to maintain the combination of a determined performance from the players, alongside the spirited Goodison support, as he added: “The team have performed, as well. That mixture, that connection is what I’ve endlessly been trying to get here.

“It’s a long journey and there’s a lot of work to be done. There still is, but that’s a very pleasing moment amongst the recent time, and the ups and downs of what we do here.”