Seamus Coleman says the role of Evertonians before and during the 1-0 victory over Chelsea was a key ingredient in helping the Blues secure a vital three points.

Richarlison’s cool finish with the second half less than 60 seconds old proved decisive at Goodison, as Everton moved to within two points of Premier League safety, with a game in hand on both 16th-placed Burnley and 17th-placed Leeds United.

Thousands of supporters gathered on Goodison Road prior to kick-off to welcome in the Everton team coach, a move that set the tone for a rousing afternoon.

“I’ll be honest, I’ve been here a long time - I’ve never been in this situation before, but I’ve also never felt what I felt coming into the stadium today,” said Coleman. “The noise, the flares, the genuine passion… The faces of grown men, singing Everton songs… If that doesn’t touch something within you as a player, then you might as well hang up the boots. 

“We definitely got an extra few per cent today. 

“We’ve done that for them today because we know how much they’re hurting - but we have got to keep going and we have got to keep battling.

“Yesterday’s results pulled the other teams away from us a little bit and I’m sure not many gave us a chance in today’s game - but we believed. 

“We have to keep it going. Like we said after the Manchester United game, it’s only three points and we’re still in a massive scrap.”

As has so often been the case on home soil under manager Frank Lampard, the Toffees produced a performance full of character and controlled aggression against their Champions League-chasing opponents.

They also had Jordan Pickford to thank for three outstanding saves in the second period.

A reaction stop to keep out Cesar Azpilicueta’s venomous drive was, probably, the pick off the bunch, while England’s first-choice goalkeeper was again on hand to deny Antonio Rudiger moments later, before thwarting Mateo Kovačić in the dying embers.

When asked about the save to keep out Rudiger's effort - which struck him in the face - Pickford said: “‘[My face is] not too bad… I’ve had worse than that before!

“It’s what I’m there for - to make saves, to help the team.

“It was a big team effort today and it was all about getting a big three points for us as players, the fans and the Club.

“I really enjoyed it. Everyone battles for each other. 

“The fans have played a massive part today as well. It’s about enjoying it today but not getting too carried away. We’ve got to focus for next week and just keep fighting. We have to go again now.”