Mason Holgate declared Everton "will not rest on this win" after the Blues dug deep to beat Chelsea 1-0 in a cacophonous atmosphere at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The defender also hailed the impact of Evertonians in the victory, adding that the awe-inspiring reception for the players ahead of the game and the fans' sustained vocal backing during the match “shows what makes this club special”.

A sea of noise, colour and unbridled passion greeted Everton’s team bus at Goodison Park, with Toffees fans lining the streets to give the squad an unforgettable welcome to the ground.

Holgate revealed the players’ hunger to repay their incredible support on the pitch, with the Blues duly delivering a display rich in spirit, resolve and controlled aggression to overcome the reigning European champions.

The defender insists Everton must continue to perform to such levels in their remaining five games if they are to retain their Premier League status  

Holgate told evertontv: “It was a special reception, and it shows what a special club we are. 

“I’m in my seventh year here and I know how big this club is.

“It was a bittersweet moment – receptions like that are what you want to play football for, and it gets the hairs on the back of your neck up. But it [the welcome to the ground] was ultimately because we are somewhere in the table we don’t want to be. 

“We had to use that to spur us on, though, and we did that that.

“The fans were great all day. We matched that with our work-rate. We got a goal and we defended well. 

“No matter what happens, we‘ve got to keep putting our all into it. And with the quality we’ve got, I believe from the bottom of my heart, we will be okay.

“This win is not something we can rest on. We have five more massive games, and we have to keep going the way we did against Chelsea.”

Holgate was a key part of a resilient and determined collective defensive effort against a Chelsea side boasting deep reserves of attacking talent.

Sunday’s game, in fact, was the first time Chelsea had failed to score in 14 matches.

Holgate, who has started 13 of Frank Lampard’s 15 Premier League matches in charge of Everton, explained how he has grown in belief under the Blues boss.

“I feel like I’m getting into a groove now under this manager,” said the centre-back.

“I’ve played most of the games and I’m confident. I’m just trying to do everything I can. I know everyone else is, too.”

Everton were indebted to the brilliance of Jordan Pickford on Sunday, with the England keeper making a pair of world-class stops to preserve the Blues’ lead following Richarlison’s 46th-minute strike.

First, after diving full-stretch in attempting to save Mason Mount’s shot – which hit the post – Pickford instantly rose to his feet and scampered across his line to somehow parry away Cesar Azpilicueta’s effort on the rebound. 

He then kept out Antonio Rudiger’s close-range drive, taking the German’s powerful hit square in the face.

Holgate said: “The first one, I don’t know how he’s got back up. I really don’t. It’s unbelievable. 

“The second was incredible, too. In this situation, we need our big players to stand up and be counted and that’s what he’s done again. 

“It’s what he’s about. He is England’s number one. Having someone like that behind us is great for us, and we have all got confidence in him.”