Determined Dyche rallies Everton again after latest points deduction

Sean Dyche has called on Everton to show the same positive reaction to their second points deduction of the season as the first.

Having seen November's ten-point penalty for breaching spending rules reduced to six on appeal, the Toffees were penalised a further two points this week, dropping them back to within two points of the Premier League relegation zone.

Everton's best spell of the season came shortly after the initial sanction, with the Toffees' four-match winning run including a 2-0 success against Monday's opponents Chelsea.

Manager Dyche said: “The last time we got a knock everyone pulled together, and I think that's important to remind yourself. The fans were terrific in a new reality. There's another one now. Everyone went, ‘hang on a minute, the badge is more important than anything’, and I still feel the same.

“Myself, the players, the staff all pulling together, and the fans as well to make sure we look after ourselves and we look after the club.

“The restart is Chelsea. A reaction to the news is important, a positive reaction. The time for fault and blame is gone. What's done is done. We've just got to stay in line, stay connected, and take on the next challenge. The club's had a few knocks recently, let's all pull together and get it done.”

The points deduction made last weekend's win over Burnley, their first in the league since December, look even more important, with goalshy Dominic Calvert-lewin netting his second in as many games.

The striker is a doubt for Monday's game after he missed training yesterday with a hamstring issue.