Frank Lampard heaped praise on his Everton side as they deservedly claimed a goalless draw against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees were into the Merseyside derby having drawn their previous three matches, and there will be a sense of frustration after a fourth stalemate in succession.
Tom Davies hit the post, Neal Maupay squandered a glorious opportunity and Conor Coady had a goal chalked off for a marginal offside during an enthralling contest.
However, Everton were also heavily reliant on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made numerous outstanding saves to record his first clean sheet of the season.
© Reuters
After the match, Lampard spoke proudly about his team, singling out Pickford while also acknowledging the work-rate and quality that they rest of the team produced at Goodison Park.
Speaking to BT Sport, Lampard said: "I thought we were brilliant. It's one of the best 0-0s you're likely to see.
"Pickford made some great saves, you need your keeper to be on it in games like this. It was a real game of two teams going for it. I can't fault the players and the spirit. We played well, we're getting better.
"I keep saying the same thing. We're not going from just staying up to the team we want to be. Idrissa Gueye came on and looked like a proper player and he's not even fit yet. We had more than enough chances to get our own goal today.
© Reuters
"We're trying to build up. You have to get personnel and work on the training ground. It feels like those wins will come. We feel like we deserve more – although maybe not today. The fans can see a team that fights for the badge and gives everything. That makes me proud."
Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp also acknowledged the performance of Pickford as his side dropped points for the fourth time in six matches.
Everton are back in action when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on September 11.
Darren Plant
