James Tarkowski joked that Sean Dyche's new tracksuit had brought Everton 'a little bit of luck' for their game against Nottingham Forest.

Dyche ditched his usual suit for new threads at the crucial relegation clash, and the Toffees won 2-0, in a match dogged by controversial calls which left the visitors fuming. 

Speaking after the victory, centre-back Tarkowski spoke about the fashion choice from his Everton manager - whilst Dwight McNeil chuckled besides him. 

Tarkowski told Sky Sports: 'It was unusual. 

'I thought he was going to get changed into his suit after. Maybe he was getting it ironed or something. 

Sean Dyche ditched his usual shirt and tie to wear a tracksuit against Nottingham Forest

'Maybe it brought us a little bit of luck. I'm sure he'll be wearing it on Wednesday [against Liverpool].'

He added: 'Every now and then, you need to change something. Maybe it brought us a bit of luck today. Hopefully that continues into the week.' 

For his part, Dyche admitted: 'I knew it would be a talking point. 

'I'm not precious either way but we looked at everything. I always thought it was correct to wear a shirt and tie but I just thought I'd play my part in what I was looking for from my players and staff.'

Everton took a first-half lead through Idrissa Gueye just before the half-hour mark, and doubled their advantage when McNeil scored in the 76th minute.

However, the post-match headlines have been dominated by the extraordinary statement from Nottingham Forest blasting the officials for failing to give them three penalties, and the FA's investigation into their claims questioning the integrity of VAR official Stuart Attwell. 

After the 6-0 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night, the crucial victory over Nottingham Forest has set Everton back on a winning path ahead of Jurgen Klopp's last Merseyside derby as Liverpool boss on Wednesday night.