Dominic Calvert-Lewin says Goodison Park’s characteristic roar could have given Everton the edge over Liverpool following Sunday’s scoreless Merseyside derby.

A competitive contest was devoid of clear opportunities until Everton created a rush of opportunities in a frantic closing period.

Tom Davies clipped the post after following up Alisson’s 80th-minute save from a smart Calvert-Lewin flick, the goalkeeper then repelling Calvert-Lewin’s header from the resultant corner.

Richarlison dashed clear soon after but couldn’t defeat fellow Brazilian Alisson from a narrow angle.

“It was instinct at the end, I flicked it and the keeper made the save,” said Calvert-Lewin.

“We had a few chances but it wasn’t our day.

“We limited Liverpool to a few chances, they did us as well – but we maybe had the better chances towards the end of the game, so were unlucky.

“It was strange, with no atmosphere, playing with no fans, it was a bit bizarre for a game of this magnitude.

“Usually the place is bouncing, it was hard to get used to at first.

“But we play football for a living, so it is about concentration and focus.

“The only thing that changes [with supporters] is sometimes you get that lift from the fans when they are roaring.

“That had to come from within today. It did and we were unlucky not to nick it.”

Everton were back in action after 105 days without a match following football’s coronavirus-enforced suspension.

The point gained from this match – the draw extended Everton’s unbeaten home Premier League run to an eighth game – keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s team in 12th, eight points shy of the European position they covet.

Calvert-Lewin admitted to an element of ring rust but he led Everton’s line in typically combative fashion.

The 23-year-old contested a match-high 24 aerial duels, 13 more than next-best Virgil van Dijk.

He had two shots and played one key pass, while striker partner Richarlison rained five shots on Liverpool’s goal – three more attempts than any other player on the field.

The visitors had their chances, though, and claimed a larger slice of possession than Everton, with Calvert-Lewin keen to point to the efforts of impeccable centre-back duo Mason Holgate and Michael Keane for keeping Liverpool at arm’s length.

“We defended very well, Mason and Michael were very good at the back, we were resolute and just unfortunate [not to snatch a winning goal],” said Calvert-Lewin, whose team go to Norwich City on Wednesday evening.

“We weren’t as sharp as we’d expect when we have the rhythm of regular games.

“We’ve been a long time out and the players are a bit rusty.

“My timing was a bit off with my duels and challenges but it’s stuff you can’t replicate and comes with games.

“We’ll take the point but there was a good chance for us there today.

“We changed it up [formation-wise] when we had the ball to help us maintain possession and I felt we kept the ball well and created things.

“We got in their faces quite well.

“They have quality in their side so we knew we couldn’t give them too much time on the ball.

“We have been working hard in training and our fitness levels were good today.”