Everton manager Rafa Benitez heaped praise on his team for their resilience in a comeback 2-1 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Monday which gave the Spaniard some breathing space after he came under pressure following a nine-game winless run.

Late goals by Richarlison and Demarai Gray, who struck a stunning stoppage-time winner, saw the home side cancel out Martin Odegaard’s first-half opener for the Gunners.

The result saw Everton climb to 12th on 18 points, while Arsenal stay seventh on 23 points from 15 games.

“Despite the reaction of the team to the goals that were disallowed and conceding a goal at the end of the first half, we still scored goals and reacted,” the Spaniard told Sky Sports.

“Every player and fan is expecting that. Everybody is really pleased and hopefully it is the right step forward. Everything is against you but the character they showed today, with the fans behind, they can enjoy that.”

Gray, who was also involved in the equaliser for Richarlison after his shot rebounded off the crossbar for the Brazilian to head home, said his own spectacular winner was his best moment at Everton since he joined from Leicester City in July.

“It was a crazy moment, my best moment here so far,” he said.

27th-minute protest

A small number of Everton supporters left their seats in the 27th minute of the match to protest against the club’s ownership. The precise moment was picked to highlight the 27 years it has been since Everton last won a trophy — the FA Cup in 1995.

Everton fans are growing frustrated at owner Farhad Moshiri and his lack of communication with the fans during a difficult run of performances in recent seasons.

The Everton fan groups had posted simultaneously: “27 minutes for 27 years. “27 years without a trophy is unacceptable. Show your feet on 27 minutes during the game against Arsenal on Monday evening and walk out of Goodison Park.

“Let’s show that the incompetence from the top at Everton Football Club cannot continue.”

However, the majority of supporters remained in their seats. And saw their team record a victory.