Sean Dyche was left in no doubt Everton’s mentality and attitude “keeps on growing” after another late comeback earned a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

Despite being reduced to 10 men when Abdoulaye Doucoure was sent off just before the hour mark – closely followed by Spurs taking the lead through Harry Kane’s penalty – the Blues once again showed fight and spirit to grab a point courtesy of Michael Keane’s stunning 25-yard drive on 90 minutes shortly after Lucas Moura had been dismissed for the Londoners.

The comeback followed Everton’s 89^th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Chelsea before the international break. The point against Spurs lifted Dyche’s men up to 15^th in the Premier League table and extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

More importantly for Dyche, however, was the clear evidence his players are showing the hunger to “take on a challenge” to keep moving in the right direction.

“I know the mentality is growing,” said the Blues boss. “That’s what we’ve been looking to continue and that is definitely on show: the work ethic of the players, the belief in what we are trying to achieve.

“I think that’s on show and tonight was outstanding in terms of attitude and the feel of the performance. It just keeps growing and that’s important for us.

“The way we played after the sending off, even against 11 men, was excellent. They then get a sending off and I thought – and the stadium thought – there was only one winner then because we were just on the front foot, pressing and trying until the end of the game to win it.

“They are a side with quality players and we had to be right in our performance and a lot of it was right. Obviously, we had the sending off which took the wind out of our sails, especially after starting the second half very well.

“After that, we had to take on the next challenge which was going down to 10 men, having a penalty given against us – but the reaction was fantastic.

“Some people think [our league situation] hasn’t changed but we’ve reeled teams in above us by a number of points. That’s pleasing. There’s a lot of work still to be done but there is clear signs that we’re willing to take on a challenge.”

Having signed Keane for Burnley during their time together at Turf Moor, Dyche is well aware of the centre-back’s qualities.

The 30-year-old has impressed after starting the Blues’ past five matches, and his manager acknowledged Keane’s attitude both at Finch Farm and alongside James Tarkowski in the heart of defence.

“He’s been on fire in training,” added Dyche. “He’s a very good player, I know that. I worked with him for a long time [at Burnley]. He’s got talent, he can find the goal and he is a threat. It’s a fine strike, without a shadow of a doubt.”

On Doucoure’s red card – given after the midfielder raised his hands to Harry Kane following a confrontation with the England captain – Dyche said: “It’s a red card because you can’t raise your hands, we know that.

“But I don’t think Harry [Kane[ needs to make the challenge [on Doucoure after a foul on Demarai Gray]. The whistle has gone for a foul on Dimi Gray and that starts a moment that didn’t need to happen. But the final action, I know you can’t do that and Doucs knows you can’t do that.”