Dominic Calvert-Lewin praised Everton for digging in and doing “the nasty bits well” as Carlo Ancelotti’s side made it three league wins on the spin with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Goodison.

The striker played his part in the Blues’ 22^nd-minute opener, watching his header from Alex Iwobi’s pinpoint cross deflect off Rob Holding and past Bernd Leno.

Arsenal levelled through Pepe’s penalty on 35 minutes but Yerry Mina’s header on the stroke of half-time saw Everton build on recent wins against Chelsea and Leicester City to move up to second in the table.

For the third match in succession, the Blues saw less of the ball than their opponents but – once again – Ancelotti’s side looked resolute throughout and limited Arsenal to just two shots on target.

Calvert-Lewin felt the team’s work ethic has been crucial in their upturn in form - perfectly highlighted by the England international’s relentless running and aerial threat during Saturday evening’s success over the Gunners.

“We had a really good start [to the season] and then a blip but we knew one win would propel us in the right direction,” said Everton’s number nine, who sits joint-second in the league scoring charts with 11 goals from 14 matches. “It’s important we continued that momentum. We’ve got three wins on the spin and here we are.

“I’m just happy to be in there affecting games and playing my part which is the most important thing. I thought we worked hard to a man today and did the nasty bits well and that was what is important against a team like Arsenal with their quality. It was a good day all round.

“Sometimes we don’t have the ball for periods but we never panicked and took our chances when they came.

“When we’re setting up like that to let teams have a bit more of the ball I might not get many chances but it’s important that I do all the other parts well and play my part for the team.

“I’ve scored a few goals already this season and I just look forward to the next game and hopefully we’ll continue to win them.”

Calvert-Lewin has been a revelation since Ancelotti become Blues boss last December, his progress being rewarded this season with an England call-up which has since brought five caps and two goals.

The 23-year-old spoke of his confidence even better is on the horizon from both him and Ancelotti’s improving squad.

"There’s still more to come from me,” said Calvert-Lewin. “I’m still learning my craft and honing my game to make it better. Some things I’m good at, some things I can work on so it’s just about taking it all in, continuing the goalscoring form but, most importantly, I’m consistent in everything I do and I thought today – bar a goal – I did okay.”