Everton manager Sean Dyche says there were further signs of his side's ever-improving collective mentality, despite a painful penalty shootout defeat to Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at Goodison Park.
The Blues dominated much of the game against the Cottagers but fell behind five minutes before the half-time interval when Antonee Robinson's cross took a cruel deflection off Michael Keane and into the net.
The Toffees toiled, though, and deservedly restored parity with eight minutes remaining when substitute Beto headed home from close range to force a penalty shootout.
Amadou Onana squandered a chance to seal Everton's place in the last four of the competition after Jordan Pickford had excellently saved from Bobby De Cordova-Reid - but the Belgian's spot-kick was saved and when Idrissa Gana Gueye struck the base of the post with his effort, Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo stepped up to seal victory for the visitors.
Speaking to evertontv afterwards, Dyche said: "You don't want those things [an own goal and a penalty shootout] to go against you but it did. I thought the quality of the performance was there again, particularly with the work ethic.
"Gana was terrific, Jimmy Garner, whatever we ask of him he seems to just take it on, Jarrad's mentality to play another position and not even question it... finding the real killer moments was a bit short tonight but there were a lot of good signs about the performance, ably backed by the fans and the atmosphere but sometimes things go against you and, unfortunately, this one did.
"I've spoken endlessly about the mentality of this group and the growth within it and it was there again today.
"The true qualitiy moments we've been finding recently were lacking a little bit but there was lots of endeavour and will to go and make it happen. We asked lots of questions of the opposition and couldn't find a breakthrough until Beto finally goes, ironically through a bit of play where the ball bounces up in the air but he finishes it well.
"The energy was brilliant, then to take the game on and try to see it through. It goes to penalties and then you're in the lap of the gods. We'd practised them, Steve Stone did a great job in organising and making sure everyone knew [their roles]. They were all clear-minded, just sometimes they go against you.
"The fans are joining in with the story as well. They're playing their part without a shadow of a doubt. They're looking at a group having to change things but still getting performance levels that are high and that's a key thing over a season."
Dyche made two changes from the side that started the impressive 2-0 win at Burnley last weekend, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gana Gueye recalled to the starting line-up having completed one-match suspensions.
It meant another formation tweak from Dyche, who praised his side's adaptability after an impressive away win over the Clarets, with Branthwaite shifted to left-back in a four-man defence.
"We're a bit stretched," continued the Blues boss. "We know that might be the case with the way we've had to reshuffle during the summer but I think they're showing we're a very strong group.
"When needed people will go out of position - Jimmy Garner played a bit higher up and I thought he was excellent, Jarrad Branthwaite coming in and being ready to play a new position no questions asked... that is a key thing over a season's work. It didn't pay us back tonight but that mentality will continue to pay us back with performances and wins.
"That's the connection the team are getting. I was pleased with the subs coming on as well. Everyone is looking to play their part and that's the mentality we want. I've spoken about it endlessly and I've put it through the media because I believe in it.
"I think we are seeing that. People are coming on the pitch and affecting it, people on and the pitch are playing different positions and we've had to do that because we've had injuries, we've had suspensions - but that open-mindedness to take the next challenge on is going to be really important. It has been so far and it will be going forward."
Abdoulaye Doucoure missed out on the matchday squad for the tie with a hamstring issue and Dyche says he does not expect the midfielder to be ready to return when the Blues head to Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League action on Saturday (3pm GMT).
“Probably not at the weekend but going forwards, we’re hopeful it settles down quickly," Dyche said, when asked about Doucoure's fitness. "He’s super fit, as you all know, and in his experience and mine he’s a good healer, so we’re hopeful it settles down quickly.
“We’ll see [on other injuries]. The next three days is going to be really important. We’ll make sure there’s nothing from tonight, of course, as we are a bit stretched."
