Dominic Calvert-Lewin says his two-goal salvo against Chelsea was all the more special for the debt of gratitude he owes caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson.

Centre-forward Calvert-Lewin wrapped up Everton’s 3-1 win with a poked finish into the Gwladys Street net on 84 minutes.

His composed effort four minutes after half-time was sandwiched by strikes from fellow attacker Richarlison and visiting midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Calvert-Lewin joined Everton from Sheffield United in August 2016 and has been guided on the training ground by former Blues striker Ferguson in the intervening period.

The 22-year-old, who has seven goals this term, played in defeats to Leicester and Liverpool in the past week and recognised the imperative of following Ferguson’s instruction to ruffle Chelsea on Saturday.

“It was so important we got after Chelsea early and we executed our gameplan," said Calvert-Lewin.

“[Personally] it was about repaying the work Duncan has done with me over the past three years.

“I have worked closely with Duncan, we have a good relationship and that’s why I ran to him when I scored my second goal.

“I know how much it means to him and how much he loves the Club.

“I try to give it my best every game. I am over the moon to have scored two goals but the main thing was we earned back the respect from our fans and put in the work."

Calvert-Lewin was partnered up front by Brazilian Richarlison and delivered a power-packed display at the tip of Everton's attack.

He contested a mighty 23 aerial duels – 11 more than any other player on the field – and consistently offered a reliable outlet for his team.

Calvert-Lewin fired four of his six shots on target and had the second most touches (50) of Everton’s players.

Everton made 37 tackles, the highest number of any Premier League team this season, the hosts competitive edge adding to a crackling Goodison Park atmosphere.

“It was unbelievable to feel Goodison rocking like that again,” said Calvert-Lewin.

“Chelsea are a quality team on the ball so it was important we played a bit more direct.

“I was challenging for more balls in the air and, you look at the pace we have at the top of the pitch, and it was important we utilised that today.

“It was about getting in Chelsea’s faces.

“We knew they’d have a fair bit of the ball... and to a man we worked our socks off today."

Calvert-Lewin added: “The fans are so important to us, especially at home, the way they react to how we’re playing has a big effect.

“That is how we need to play at home, give everything for the badge and they will pay us back for that.

“We have quality in the dressing room and have to get the best from ourselves.

“Over the past few weeks we’ve not been putting in performances we know we can.

“For our own self-respect and to turn things around it was important we worked hard.

“And the atmosphere at the end carried us through.”