Tom Davies is confident Everton’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday can kickstart another strong series of results and revealed his belief the Blues will climb the Premier League table under “brilliant” manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The midfielder also paid tribute to match-winner Richarlison, saluting the Brazilian’s explosive attacking quality and relentless work rate.

Everton created a host of chances against Brighton but Richarlison’s skilfully manufactured 38th-minute goal ultimately proved decisive as the Blues secured a deserved victory.

Everton have won three of their four top-flight matches under Ancelotti’s stewardship and just four points separate the Blues from sixth place in the table.

Academy graduate Davies – who has started 12 of Everton’s past 14 Premier League matches – delivered another accomplished midfield performance against Brighton, with his energy and positive intent helping the Blues dominate for extended periods.

Davies believes the Toffees will continue to improve as the manager further implements his ideas and principles.

“We’re working hard to try to get better,” he said.

“Last week training was good for us. It was the first time we've had a full week of training with the manager, with the fixture schedule we’ve had.

“The manager has been brilliant since he’s come in – him and all his staff. I’m just looking to improve as much as I can under him.

“Everybody knows how great a career he’s had in football – both as a manager and playing.

“His staff have all got great knowledge about football, too. For me, being a young player, I’ve just got to try to pick up everything I can from the manager.

“He’s been great so far and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season

“It was a good performance from us all [against Brighton]. We needed the three points.

“We’re doing well in the league of late. We’ve only lost to Man City in the past seven league games. It’s all about looking forward now.

“We’re close to the top half of the table and we want to push on.

“The way we’ve been playing in the league, I don’t see why we can’t finish high up. We need to keep our consistency and, if we do that, we’ll climb the table.”

Richarlison’s strike represented his 10th of the season, moving the Brazil international level with Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Everton’s joint-top goalscorer

Richarlison provided a constant attacking threat against Brighton, with his five shots the highest total of any player on the pitch.

He contested 22 duels – eight more than any other individual during the game – and recovered possession eight times for his team.

Davies explained how Richarlison's all-action performances have a galvanising effect on the team.

“He’s a quality player and he’s banging them in now for fun now,” he said.

“I’m made up to have him on my team and to be able to train and play with him is brilliant. “It’s not only his quality in scoring goals, it’s his work rate.

“He’s shown that again [against Brighton]. The lad just keeps going.

“When you think you’ve got nothing left, he’s there running, and it picks you up again.”