Sean Dyche believes Everton’s 2-2 draw at Leicester City was “a big shift back to what we expect from each other” as he called on his players to maintain the standards shown on Monday night for their vital season run-in.

The Blues were the better team at King Power Stadium, creating a season-high 23 chances on goal and being rewarded for an impressive start when Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted from the penalty spot on 15 minutes.

The visitors were made to pay for costly errors that led to Leicester hitting back with goals from Caglar Soyuncu and Jamie Vardy, while Jordan Pickford saved James Maddison’s spot-kick just before the break to prevent a 3-1 scoreline.

But Everton showed spirit and strong mentality to seize back the initiative in the second half, levelling through Alex Iwobi’s volley and creating a host of chances to triumph, Abdoulaye Doucoure going closest late on when his low shot was turned around the post by keeper Daniel Iversen.

After disappointing home defeats to Fulham and Newcastle United in recent weeks, Dyche praised his side’s attacking intent and character, and wants that to be a platform to build on in their bid for Premier League survival.

“We dominated the chance count and getting quality service into the box,” the Blues boss told evertontv. “It was easy on the eye and we created good chances.

“The mentality was great, too. We made a couple of mistakes and I came off at half-time scratching my head [that we were losing] but that’s football. Then Jordan makes a great save but [the mistakes] are what we have to eradicate but there was lots of good in the performance and we have to take that in the four games coming up.

“There were two soft moments for us in a very strong half. You think of how that is possible but it’s football. But I thought the mentality of the players to take it on in the second half was one of the most pleasing things.

“We are making strides but we’ve got to make them quickly and tonight is a really big shift back to what we expect from each other. Now we’ve got to maintain that, we’ve got to go again with that same mentality.”

On a welcome goalscoring return for Calvert-Lewin – who has now started Everton’s past three matches – Dyche added: “Dom’s looking fitter and sharper, he’s getting in the right areas again and he looks stronger and sharper, which is great.

“The whole feel of the performance – not just Dom – but the energy and the level of quality was really pleasing.”

The one negative from the night was a knee injury to Seamus Coleman, who had to be taken off on a stretcher on 50 minutes after falling awkwardly in a challenge with Boubakary Soumare.

Dyche said it was too early to confirm the extent of the injury but conceded it could be “serious” for the popular Blues captain.

“No news yet,” added the manager. “It doesn’t look too good but we’ll wait and see. Obviously we hope it’s not too serious but we think it looks that way.

“He’s been terrific since I’ve been here and I’m sure before that. He’s bound to be a player that we miss with his all-round demeanour and understanding of the cause for Everton.”