Sean Dyche says he is pleased with how his players have been adapting to his demands in recent weeks – but has reiterated there is still more to come from his Everton side.

The Blues entered the international break on the back of three-game unbeaten run against tricky opponents in the form of Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Chelsea.

Ahead of their contest earlier in the month, Forest hadn’t tasted defeat at the City Ground since September. Brentford were unbeaten in 12 before being dispatched by the Toffees at Goodison Park, while Chelsea welcomed Dyche’s men on the back of three successive victories.

Pleasing for Dyche was not only the points on the board from that run but also the resilient performances that accompanied them.

Speaking to evertontv, he said: “You have got to remember; I see the work on the training ground. I see the detail.

“We are on a nice little run of form. Of course, football is about results, but there has to be something behind the results. There has to be a way you are going in order to get these results.

“I have said it many times recently, you will take a lucky one. Everyone will take a lucky one. But there has to be a future in what you are doing. There has to be a way you are working that is actually getting the points and wins.   

“I think we can clearly see that. I am really pleased with that from the players' point of view.

“They are adapting, learning and working. Even at places like Stamford Bridge. I know Chelsea have been a bit up and down, but they’d just previously won three on the trot. You see the quality and money they have spent.   

“But we are shaking all of that off and reminding ourselves that we are a good group, an effective group of players. That can only add to the layers and mentality that I keep talking about.”  

Prior to last weekend, Everton had not registered three successive Premier League games without defeat since October.   

Additionally, since Dyche’s arrival at the beginning of February, only five Premier League teams have collected more points, while only four have accumulated a higher Expected Goal (xG) total.   

The Everton boss explained that reminding the players of their abilities and capabilities has been a big factor in their impressive transformation.   

“They are all good players, I have reminded them,” revealed Dyche. “I have seen the record, what some of the players have won and what they have done in the game.   

“I have said ‘lads, you are very good footballers.’ You get a few knocks in football, that is the way it goes. You have got to shake that down.   

“Let’s build a mentality from within. Start within, and it just ripples out to everyone. It’s already beginning to. People are realising this is a handy group of players, that will fight, work and defend like their lives depend on it. These are important factors.”   

He added: “When you get all of them basics right and the hard yards right, it’s no surprise to anyone that the quality beginning to show.  

“There’s still work to be done, but they are beginning to find the moments. Big moments. Scoring two away from home again, these are good signs.”  

The Blues return to action Monday 3 April (kick-off 8pm BST) when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Goodison Park.