Vitalli Mykolenko believes Everton are "growing" as a team every week and revealed relentless work on the training pitch has been key to that. 

The Toffees battled hard in Saturday's Premier League contest against Brighton and looked on course to secure an impressive third win in the space of just six days.

However, Kaoru Mitoma's low cross six minutes from time cruelly deflected off Ashley Young and looped over Jordan Pickford, forcing Everton to settle for a 1-1 draw. 

It was the in-form Mykolenko who put the Blues ahead in the seventh minute and, although he was left frustrated by the eventual result, the full-back says the determined nature the performance was more evidence of the progress being made under manager Sean Dyche.

"I'm disappointed, we played well and deserved three points," he told evertonfc.com. "We were sharp, and the fans really played a part. I think we were unlucky in the end. 

"Brighton are a tough opponent. We had to adapt to nullify them. Work hard defensively and keep a good connection between the team. I think our gameplan worked well and we didn't deserve to concede an equaliser like that. It was unlucky for Youngy. 

"But we are growing up every week as a team, you can see that. Our fans can hopefully see that, too. We are working hard every day together at training to try and go out on the weekend, put on performances and deliver positive results."

Mykolenko's effort was his second in Everton colours and first at Goodison Park. Coincidently, his maiden strike for the Blues also arrived in the opening seven minutes of a 2-1 victory at Leicester City in May 2022.

His goal was a just reward for an eye-catching run of form for the Ukraine international, who finished Saturday's clash having made the joint-most clearances and highest number of interceptions for Everton. 

"I try to play every game at 100 per cent, I still want to get better and I'm working hard every day to keep improving," he explained. "I want to help my teammates and do well for this team. 

"The Premier League is a tough league, maybe the best in the world. It takes time to adapt, but I have great teammates and I think we are a strong side who are playing well. I want to keep trying to contribute to that."

On grabbing the opening goal, he added: "It's an amazing feeling to score at Goodison Park. Two years ago, I could not have imagined achieving this. 

"Goals are something I would love to add more to my game and I'm hoping this is the start of many more for the Club."