Michael Keane says Everton’s tenacious and purposeful display merited more than the single point Carlo Ancelotti’s team claimed from Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

England player Keane and partner Mason Holgate were flawless in the middle of Everton’s defence, restricting Liverpool to a handful of set-piece opportunities.

Tom Davies grazed a post, via a deflection off defender Joe Gomez, and visiting goalkeeper Alisson denied Dominic Calvert-Lewin, twice, and Richarlison as Everton hunted a winning strike late in the game.

And Keane refuted the idea Everton would be the happier of the two teams following a third scoreless Goodison Park derby in as many seasons.

“You’d have thought so [Everton would be more pleased with a draw] if you’d told us before the game this would be the outcome – but we are disappointed we have not won it,” insisted Keane.

“I know they had a lot of the ball but our workrate and shape were unreal.

“Considering it was our first game in three months our fitness was first class.

“And we had the best chances.

“I don’t remember them having a clear-cut chance, we had two good ones.

“It is a decent result but we wanted to win and, after the chances we had, we are a bit disappointed we didn’t.

“We are gutted Tom didn’t score, it might have been a good block from Joe.

“We wish it had gone in but it didn’t, it happens.

“The main thing was the workate and fitness we showed tonight was brilliant.”

Everton and Liverpool became the 18th and 19th Premier League teams to experience a behind-closed-doors encounter following the top-flight’s restart last Wednesday.

While he admitted playing in a derby with no supporters present was an odd experience, Keane felt the absence of fans didn’t detract from the on-field competition.

Keane complete five clearances and three interceptions and his 86.7 per cent success-rate from 30 passes was the best of Everton’s starting XI.

He will aim to continue his personally impeccable return to action following football’s three-month break when Everton face Norwich City at Carrow Road on Wednesday.

“It will take two or three games to get to match fitness and sharpness,” said Keane.

“We wanted to win but we’ll take the draw and look forward to the game on Wednesday night.

“We missed the fans a lot but once you are playing a derby you still have that tenacity about the game.

“You saw tackles flying in, there was still that competitive edge.

“It might not have been played at the tempo it would be four or five games down the line and with fans here.

“But it was a good game.

“It probably wasn’t the best to watch quality-wise but there was a lot of heart and fight.”