Anthony Gordon emphasised the need for consistency after providing the match-winning moment in Everton's 1-0 victory over Manchester United. 

Gordon's fourth Premier League goal of the season, a deflected strike midway through the first half, was the difference as the Blues opened up a four-point gap from the bottom three.

But it was the nature of Everton's performance the Academy graduate was keen to discuss after the match, highlighting the strength of character to go again following two defeats earlier in the same week.

"It's a massive win from a really tough game," said Gordon. "They've got so many good players at the top end of the pitch, so they were always going to have chances and make it difficult.

"The Burnley game was a big disappointment in midweek but we knew we had to pick ourselves up and go again - against Manchester United, who are one of the biggest clubs in world football. 

"That shows our character. 

"But it is also only one win. We've done that plenty, now it's about being consistent and carrying on those performances. 

"We stuck together, dug in and it's a massive result for us. We need more of that for the remaining games of the season."

Everton have won five of the seven home games since manager Frank Lampard took charge at the end of January.

Buoyed by another raucous sell-out crowd here, the Toffees responded with every ounce of commitment and industry that sparks the Grand Old Lady into life.

Everton ceded 67.5 per cent of possession to their visitors, but admirably kept them at bay with a fine defensive display that included 17 completed tackles, 35 clearances - and a pair of excellent saves from Jordan Pickford.

"My legs had completely gone!" admitted Gordon, when asked about the visitors applying pressure in the closing stages. "United had a lot of the ball but we kept running, kept closing down. 

"Against the top teams you aren't necessarily going to have lots of the ball, so you have to manage the game well, dig in, stick together and be a team.

"You saw out there today - there were tackles, blocks and the fans were right behind us.

"When you do that and you get a result after a performance like that, it's an incredible feeling."