Last-gasp matchwinner Theo Walcott saluted Everton’s “togetherness” for inspiring their memorable come-from-behind 3-2 victory at Watford.
The Blues were left with a mountain to climb after going two goals down at Vicarage Road, only for Yerry Mina to spark the clash into life with a quickfire double from corners in first-half injury-time.
Having impressed for large periods after the break, a second yellow card for Fabian Delph with 20 minutes remaining left Everton having to dig deep once again.
But as an enthralling contest entered added time, a rapid counter attack involving Richarlison and substitute Moise Kean ended with Walcott slotting home from close range for his first goal of the campaign to send the Evertonians delirious with delight.
The success moved Everton up to ninth in the Premier League table, three points off Sheffield United, and Walcott felt the manner of victory spoke volumes for team spirit in the squad.
“It’s massive,” said Walcott. “The guys worked so hard. It just shows our togetherness. We’ve been working really hard on the training field and that showed today. It’s a massive three points and obviously nice for me to get my first goal [of the season].
“We had spells when we did okay. The two goals shocked us, our confidence started to go, maybe, but we always felt that with the height we have we should be scoring more set pieces. That showed today.
“Yerry’s just a winner and wants to win in the air. He’s a leader, too, and Mason [Holgate] and Michael [Keane], when he came on, showed great character as well.
“All the lads were brilliant and very happy for Yerry to get his two goals at a crucial time.”
Walcott also spoke of the qualities manager Carlo Ancelotti has brought to the team since his arrival in December, with Everton losing just once – at Manchester City – in seven league games.
The win at Watford also marked the first time the Blues have come from behind to triumph since December 2017 against Swansea.
“We have ambitions to go higher,” added Walcott. “The manager has sent calmness around the place. His experience and what he’s done and won – he’s a winner – and that showed today.
“He kept believing in us at half-time and told us to play our football. It was a hard-fought battle.”
