Sean Dyche believes a combination of hard work and quality was crucial in delivering Sunday’s standout 1-0 away victory over West Ham United. 

Everton's success at the London Stadium made it four wins from their past six matches as Dyche's men showed their fortitude in bouncing back from last week's contentious derby defeat. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck the only goal in a well-earned win, which saw the Toffees produce a solid defensive display to reduce David Moyes’ Hammers to just two shots on Jordan Pickford’s goal throughout the 90 minutes.

Dyche, reacting after the game, told evertontv: “Getting the balance right is tough. There’s been games where we’ve dominated but haven’t got the result.

“I think today we’ve edged it. But that’s important over a Premier League season. We did the right things at the right time, and our keeper made big saves – in the second half, more so.

“We kept them really quiet in the first half, but second half, [Jordan Pickford] made a couple of big saves. The two centre-halves, I think, were outstanding. Jarrad (Branthwaite) continues to enjoy what he’s doing.

“I thought we always looked a threat today – particularly on the counter. It’s nice to know that we’ve operated in different ways. In some games, we’ve looked more of a threat with our general play. Today, we looked a threat on the counter.

“Their keeper made a fantastic save; we hit the bar, and had a couple of golden chances in the first chances in the first half. But in the end, we settle for a 1-0 win with a fine finish from Dom. So, I was very pleased for the players today – not just their work, but their quality as well.”

The game was goalless until early in the second half when Branthwaite overcame West Ham's Michail Antonio to win the ball and play it towards Calvert-Lewin, who received it back from Jack Harrison, after a neat passage of play. The Everton striker turned excellently on the edge of the Hammers’ penalty area before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and into the hosts’ net.

The goal - Calvert-Lewin’s 50^th in the Premier League – means the Toffees forward joins a list of just three previous Blues who have achieved that landmark (Romelu Lukaku, Duncan Ferguson, and Tim Cahill).

Everton manager Dyche was keen to praise his strikers’ goal before assuring the squad’s focus will soon turn to the upcoming week’s two fixtures, as the Blues face Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (7.45pm GMT), before welcoming Brighton in the Premier League at the weekend (3pm GMT).

“Strikers’ finishes like that – turn and hit – are very difficult for keepers,” said Dyche, describing the winning goal. “You see he had a lovely touch out of his feet, and he hits it straight away, so quickly. Great finish.

“I was delighted for him. It’s been a long road back. He’s getting stronger and fitter, and sharper. I think that showed today with the goal.

“We’ll enjoy [the victory] but we have to park it quickly. We’ll enjoy it, and so will the Evertonians, but in my mind, it gets parked quickly, and we’re now planning on the next game.”

At the start of his post-match interview, Dyche also paid tribute to our late Chairman, Bill Kenwright CBE.

“It was very sad news during the week,” said Dyche. “The Chairman, but not just a Chairman – someone who cared deeply about the Club. A true Blue. I’ve certainly learned that. It was befitting today to get the win, and also for his family as well.

“It was a nice game to get the win and honour the fact that his family will still be looking in. I’ve already had a couple of messages saying that he’d be delighted.”