Mason Holgate declared Everton’s determination to “keep moving forward and improving” after the Blues won 2-0 at Leicester City to record a second Premier League victory in four days against in-form opposition.

Holgate netted his first top-flight goal in the success at King Power Stadium – his close-range finish on 72 minutes securing maximum points for the Toffees after Richarlison’s first-half opener.

The result comes hot on the heels of Everton ending Chelsea’s 17-game unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday. The Blues are up to fifth in the Premier League table.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side delivered a controlled, authoritative performance at Leicester, carrying a persistent attacking threat and keeping a talented Foxes attack at arm’s length.

Holgate, operating at right-back, was part of an Everton defence which restricted the home side to just two shots on target during the match.

The 23-year-old says Everton’s resolute display underlines the squad’s character – and is confident there is more to come from the Blues. 

“Off the back of two good results, we need to keep moving forward,” Holgate said.

“We’ve got two clean sheets in a row and we’re doing well. We still think we’ve got room to improve. 

“We’re showing a side of our game which is to knuckle down, absorb pressure and not concede goals or chances. 

“That’s a real positive for us.

“Leicester are near the top of the league for a reason.

"I don’t think we did the best we could have on the ball. We all know that. 

“But it’s not always about that – sometimes it’s about the fight we've got and digging in and getting a result. It’s a real positive for us.”

On his goal, which was his second for Everton having netted in a Carabao Cup win against Watford last season, Holgate added: “It’s my first Premier League goal – they don’t come around often so I’m really happy with it.

“I’m over the moon. It was the best goal I’ve ever scored!”  

Everton return to Premier League action on Saturday against Arsenal at Goodison (5.30pm GMT).

A relentless period of fixtures continues when the Blues host Manchester United in a Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday 23 December, before Ancelotti’s side take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Boxing Day.

“It’s important to not get too high with these results or too low when we don’t win,” Holgate added.

“We know the type of quality we have in the squad and it’s about showing that.

“It’s about consistently delivering a level of performance and that’s what we’re trying to do."