Sean Dyche praised his players for “stepping on immediately” as they made a ferocious start en route to blowing Brighton away 5-1 in a special night on the south coast.   

The Blues were ahead inside 34 seconds through Abdoulaye Doucoure. The midfielder added a second before determined play from Dwight McNeil helped force a third before half-time.     

Boasting their first three-goal half-time lead in over seven years, the Toffees produced a dogged second-half display to ride out an early onslaught from the bruised home side before a McNeil brace on either side of a consolation goal from Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister sealed the win.  

It was the first time Everton had scored five goals in an away Premier League match since Boxing Day 2018, and for Dyche, it was most pleasing seeing the Blues take the game to their high-flying hosts.   

Speaking to evertontv, the boss said: “That was the most pleasing thing because we didn’t wait for anything to happen. We stepped on them immediately and broke through their tactical plan, which we suggested we might be able to do.   

“Then, we found a key moment. In other games, we’ve been frustrated by the lack of those moments and the lack of clarity, but tonight, it was a different ball game.   

“I must say, I thought at Leicester, there was clear signs of what we’re trying to achieve. I spoke to the players and said ‘Right, it’s not just about parking that and moving forward. Now, we build on the back of that.’ So, I was really pleased with that; the attitude and mentality to take this game on. I was very pleased."  

Despite the dominant scoreline, Roberto De Zerbi’s men fought hard in the second half to pull a goal back when the game was still only 3-0, forcing Jordan Pickford into a host of crucial stops.   

“Jordan made two or three really important saves, and they were high-quality saves, as well,” said Dyche on England’s No.1.   

“His all-round game was great in terms of finding calmness for us, too. He kicks well and has an understanding of what we’re trying to achieve, so that was very pleasing. But there were so many good performances tonight, so I wouldn’t just single him out.”  

It’ll be a night to remember for the 3,000 travelling Toffees in attendance on Monday evening, and Dyche was once again keen to commend their support.  

He added: “The Evertonians, as they do, travelling across the country. It was certainly a long way here tonight.   

“I think they were fantastic, and they saw their team giving their all. We have to keep doing that.”