Dwight McNeil was left “lost for words” after receiving a standing ovation from the supporters while exiting the pitch, having contributed to Everton’s 2-0 win over Burnley.
McNeil put in his best display of the season against his former side and had a big hand in the second goal scored by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was his second consecutive start after featuring in Everton’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
The Blues winger has endured a difficult period after his Deadline Day move to Crystal Palace collapsed at the last hour and McNeil and his family were left in the dark. His partner took to social media to criticise the London-based club for toying with the player’s mental health.
The support from the home fans meant a lot to McNeil. "It's massive [to get the reaction from the fans]. I've loved playing for Everton, ever since I signed – from day one,” he said after the 2-0 win over Burnley.
"I know how passionate the fans are and getting that reception from them was a really nice moment for me. I'm lost for words. It's been an emotional evening for me and my family.
"I also want to thank the lads for how they were after what happened – and my partner, Meg, because I know she struggled as well afterwards but she was with me every step of the way. Having all of that support around me has been massive, and it's given me that confidence back.
"I'm really happy. It's been a difficult month but, for me, it was just about getting my head down, getting my head around it – it took me a couple of weeks to fully understand what went on – but I've just cracked on and tried to train as well as I can every day. I've been fortunate enough to start the past two games and I'm just happy to play well because I've missed that feeling. It's nice to be back doing what I love."
Everton’s number 7 retrieved possession more than anyone else on the pitch, succeeding on 10 occasions. He also created a big chance, had a hand in Dewsbury-Hall’s goal and played 24 passes in the final third of the pitch.
James Tarkowski scored the opening goal of the contest through a powerful header while Dewsbury-Hall doubled the lead in the second half. The win at home ensures Everton remain in eighth place and are a point off Brentford in seventh.
"It's been difficult since I joined the Club – fighting relegation, but this season we're looking up and that's something I want to be part of going forward," said McNeil.
"I want to help the team get into a European spot. It's definitely good [to have that new objective].
"It's a massive three points. We got a good result [over Newcastle] at the weekend and we knew this game was going to be massive to put us towards where we want to go this season. The gaffer told us how important it was, so now we've got to kick on again."
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