Rafa Benitez believes Everton's stirring 2-1 victory over Arsenal was evidence of how powerful the synergy between Evertonians and players can be.

On a night where supporters experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, Demarai Gray's Goal of the Season contender deep into second half stoppage-time earned the Blues a morale-boosting three points on an unforgettable night at Goodison Park.

That, however, was only the finalé of a dramatic contest that looked for large parts as though it was destined to leave the Blues empty-handed.

Richarlison had two efforts ruled out for offside following VAR reviews, either side of Martin Odegaard's opener on the stroke of half-time. 

It proved to be third time lucky for the Brazilian, who eventually registered on the scoresheet with a well-placed header with 11 minutes remaining - before Gray completed the turnaround to spark jubilant scenes at the Grand Old Lady.

"I think today was, as I was saying from the beginning, fans, players, all together - we are stronger," said Benitez. "You could see today the spirit. Even the decisions - good or bad - against us, the reaction of the team was amazing and the fans were right behind them.

"Everything was perfect in the way it happened - the team showed character in adversity and everybody was really delighted at the end.

"The fans and the players... when we stick together we are stronger. 

"When we play at Goodison with the fans behind the team, we run the extra mile."

Match-winner Gray, a live-wire throughout, took a hefty knock in a collision with Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey shortly after the half-time interval.

But Benitez revealed the forward had no intentions of asking to be withdrawn before notching his fifth goal for the Club following a summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.

"We were watching Demarai because he got a knock and we weren't sure if he could carry on but he said he could, then, at the end, he said, 'I told you I could carry on!" said Benitez.

"It was an important moment. I think it's important for everyone to have the belief that we can perform like today and win against any team. 

"It's about showing this character every single game. We've done so in a lot of games but were unlucky. Today, with a bad run, the reaction even in adversity was really good. It is what we are expecting and hopefully it will be the same until the end of the season."

The only blot on an otherwise wholly positive evening was the withdrawal of Yerry Mina on the half hour mark.

Benitez added: "To be fair, Yerry is a lad that has had bad luck with injuries. 

"He was coming back after nearly one month with a problem with his hamstring but today it's a problem with his calf.

"We have to assess him.

"He's really down now but hopefully he can recover quickly."