Tom Davies says Everton’s rousing Merseyside derby victory at Anfield was the result of a united and determined team effort, as the lifelong Blue spoke of the significance of a “massive win”.

Richarlison’s clinical early strike and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty seven minutes from time earned Everton an eighth away Premier League win of the season. 

The Blues are now level on points with sixth-placed Liverpool and have a game in hand on their city rivals.

Everton Academy graduate Davies delivered an all-action midfield performance – he made more tackles (5) than any other player during the match – and helped set the tone for a fearless Toffees display. 

Davies says Everton’s victory was made possible by the unrelenting work-ethic and desire shown by each member of the team.

“It [winning at Anfield] has been a long time coming and the lads have put in a great shift,” said the 22-year-old. 

“I’m made up for every single one of them.

“It’s a massive win for us all. We felt confident going into the match. We had two games recently [against Fulham and Manchester City] where we were disappointed with ourselves. 

“We knew it was a huge game. And I think we deserved the win. We were the better team.”

Everton hit the front after just three minutes – Richarlison expertly slotting past Liverpool goalkeeper Allison after a perfectly-weighted pass from James Rodriguez.

Davies underlined the importance of the Blues imposing themselves on the game from the first whistle.

“The key was to start sharp,” he added.

“We knew if we weren’t on the front foot and putting them under pressure, then they’ll definitely come onto us.

“For the first goal, it was a brilliant pass from James and a great finish from Richy.

“Getting a good start put us right in the frame and gave us the confidence we could go on and win.”

Sigurdsson secured a memorable Everton win from the penalty spot deep into the second half after Trent Alexander-Arnold fouled Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the area.

While Seamus Coleman and Richarlison had good chances to extend the Blues’ advantage before Sigurdsson’s spot-kick, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also made some vital interventions to keep the home side at bay.

Jordan Henderson and Alexander-Arnold were both denied by fingertip stops by the England No.1 in the first half. 

Pickford’s standout save, however, came as Liverpool applied pressure in search of an equaliser after the interval. Mohamed Salah went through one-on-one and shot from inside the six-yard box, but the Everton keeper closed the angle and smothered the Egyptian attacker’s effort.

“Jordan’s a great keeper and he’s proved that again with the saves he’s made,” said Davies.

“There are times when you think they’re in and they could equalise or get one back, but he was there to stop them. We’re thankful to have him.”