Bernard says his virtuoso goal to set up Everton’s victory over West Ham United on Saturday was a reflection of the Brazilian’s growing confidence – and born of the faith invested in him by Marco Silva.

The attacker started his fifth Premier League match this term against West Ham and scored his second goal of the campaign to match his tally from last season.

Bernard has been challenged by manager Silva to increase his strike rate and admitted last week he was striving to become more prolific in front of goal.

When the South American received possession from Theo Walcott in the penalty box after 17 minutes against West Ham, then, he had only one thing in mind – even if the silky Bernard took a circuitous route before coolly sliding the ball underneath goalkeeper Roberto.

Everton put a seal on their first victory in five league games when Gylfi Sigurdsson slammed home a tremendous stoppage-time effort.

Asked if he was intent on firing off a shot when he controlled Walcott’s pass, Bernard told evertontv: “Definitely. I am always thinking about the team and looking for my teammates.

“But perhaps with my confidence increased and the confidence of the manager, I am trying to take a few more chances.

“I still want to look for my teammates and help the team but perhaps I can shoot more and take more opportunities.

“The whole team had a really good attitude throughout the match.

“Everyone knew we were in a difficult position and gave their all to try to get out of this situation.

“Every player deserves credit for the effort they put in.”

Bernard’s trickery and industry won him a legion of admirers in his first Everton season after joining last summer following five years with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.

The 27-year-old played 157 games for Shakhtar and was directly involved in 63 goals, scoring 28 and assisting 35.

He was similarly productive for first club Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, striking 16 times and setting up 19 goals in his 73 appearances.

Bernard delivered a fabulous all-round performance at the weekend, twice winning possession in the final third of the pitch and completing two dribbles as Everton swarmed all over their visitors.

The 14-cap international, however, confesses he wants to additionally help Everton in a “different way”, although in the moments before his breakthrough goal Bernard initially appeared to have passed up a golden shooting opportunity.

His first touch took him away from the target, only for the forward to swerve and feint his way past befuddled defender Arthur Masuaku and finish with a flourish.

“I actually thought the defender had followed me [when I collected the pass],” said Bernard.

“I did not realise I had space.

“When I cut back, I suddenly realised two defenders were there.

“I had to improvise a bit and luckily it worked out.

“I was able to put the ball under the keeper which was perfect.

“I am really, really happy.

“I wanted to start helping Everton in a slightly different way.

“To be able to work tactically but also score goals gives me a lot of joy.”