After previously compiling three comprehensive wins, Everton were not at their best when sneaking past rock-bottom Portsmouth at the weekend.
But Leighton Baines believes David Moyes’s side can only benefit from reacquainting themselves with the knack of winning ugly.
“We’ve shown a lot of character to bounce back after what happened on the opening day and we have moved on considerably since then,” said Baines.
“And what you always know about this team is that they will pull together; everyone will put a shift in and work hard and that’s why we’ve got another win.
“If we are going to achieve anything this season, we need to win the games we don’t play well in, particularly away from home.”
