Sean Dyche says his Everton players have "rallied as a group" following the sad news of the passing of "perfect gentleman" Bill Kenwright CBE, while also responding "in the right manner" following a frustrating result last time out.

It was a contentious Merseyside derby loss for the Blues, who battled from the 37th minute with just 10 men after Ashley Young was shown a second yellow card. 

In the second half, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, already on a yellow card, looked set to be given his marching orders after bringing down substitute Beto who turned him on the halfway line. 

However, no card was shown and the defender was substituted off the pitch seconds later. Liverpool got their breakthrough in the 75th minute after a VAR check led to a penalty before they added a second in the dying seconds from a counter-attack as Everton chased an equaliser. 

Despite the controversial nature of the loss, Dyche has been pleased by the response of his players in training this week as they gear up the bounce back against West Ham United on Sunday (1pm GMT). 

Speaking in Friday afternoon's press conference held at Finch Farm, the Everton boss said: "There's nothing the players can do about it other than focus on what we are doing on the pitch. 

"They've been really good this week, I must say. They felt a bit aggrieved by what happened last week with the decision going against them, but they have responded in the right manner this week. 

"It's been a very good training week so I am looking forward to going into Sunday's game."

The build-up to this weekend's contest against West Ham has been overshadowed by the sad news of the passing of our highly-regarded late Chairman, Bill Kenwright CBE. 

Dyche explained how Mr Kenwight would be a huge loss to the Club and praised him for the support he provided the Everton boss during their short time working together. 

"We have rallied as a group," said Dyche in the days since his passing. "Some had a bigger connection to the Chairman than others due to their time here, particularly Seamus. Myself in a different way. Obviously, being quite close to him over a period that was difficult for him and his family. He's a big loss, that's for sure. 

"He was incredibly supportive of me. I was reading some of David Moyes' comments about how supportive he was to him as a young manager. He was supportive of me as an older manager. He was nothing but supportive, even during some hard times. 

"He was someone to pick up the phone to, always got time for you, and always wanted to find out what was going on. Touch base with the feel in the camp, how the players were, and the mood with individuals.  He was often telling me all of his wisdom about Everton Football Club and what we should be doing - always in a supportive way." 

He added: "He was a perfect gentleman and I always enjoyed listening to him, the stories about his own life, not necessarily just Everton Football Club."