It was a goal that came from nothing but meant everything.
And how fitting that it came from Abdoulaye Doucoure, the player Sean Dyche brought in from the cold to inspire a team bereft of confidence and goals. Doucoure now has five of them, along with two assists - meaning the 30-year-old has contributed to more than one fifth of Everton’s goals this season in the 15 matches he has played since Dyche arrived with him training away from the first team.
This was by far the most important of a valuable collection and it came with his side desperately fighting for a goal that would take them out of the relegation zone. It was also his sweetest, the midfielder catching a half-volley from 20 yards out and rifling it past Mark Travers, who could only stand and watch in appreciation.
