Conor Coady has declared the squad’s desire to mirror Evertonians’ unrelenting passion and commitment on the field – and is convinced the Blues can take further significant strides forward following Sunday’s 1-0 win over West Ham United.

The centre-back was an integral figure in a resolute Everton performance against the Hammers, defending with authority and composure as the Blues kept a second consecutive clean sheet.

Coady joined Everton on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and his instant impact was underlined when manager Frank Lampard handed him the captain’s armband on Sunday, with Club skipper Seamus Coleman among the substitutes and Jordan Pickford sidelined through injury.

Coady led by example as Everton delivered the latest in a series of wholehearted displays – this time achieving the victory their efforts deserved.

The team received warm acclaim from the Goodison crowd upon the final whistle and Coady revealed the players’ determination to continue making supporters proud.

“You can see at the end of the game how much this football club means to the fans,” said the 29-year-old.

“We understand as players that this club is their life. We need to go out every week and show that commitment, that desire, to play for Everton Football Club.

“The lads are working ever so hard to do that and it’s important we keep learning, getting better, and hopefully keep winning.

“We know we can play better and we will play better than against West Ham. But we defended well as a unit, defending crosses and set-pieces. We had to dig in, be brave and be strong and the lads did that.

“We’ve worked ever so hard in the past two weeks, with the game against Arsenal being postponed, and I think the result is what we deserved.

“But we won’t dwell on this win too much because we want to get better and have more wins.”

Everton have conceded just six goals this season – a record bettered by only Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, with the Seagulls having played one game fewer than Lampard’s side.

The Toffees’ defensive resolve against West Ham ensured Neal Maupay’s excellent 53^rd-minute strike was enough to secure maximum points.

Coady explained he had total faith in the Frenchman’s ability to deliver match-winning contributions for Everton.

“We always believe in him,” said Coady, who is currently on international duty with England.

“We have such confidence in Neal and we know what a fantastic finisher he is. He showed that again. What a goal it was… that touch and finish, it was a real striker’s finish. It’s what he can do.

“He’s a fantastic footballer and he’s brought us ever so much.”

Everton, now unbeaten in six matches in all competitions, will seek to build on the West Ham victory when they visit Southampton on Saturday 1 October.

Coady added: “It was so important to get that first win, another clean sheet, and now we want to move forward.

“We have a break now for the internationals and then it’s about making sure we’re ready for the next game.”