Carlo Ancelotti says Everton’s performance in Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park gave him a “good feeling” as he challenged his team to display the same spirit and intensity in the remaining eight games of the 2019/20 season.

Everton were unfortunate to emerge with just one point from the behind-closed-doors clash with city rivals Liverpool.

Tom Davies saw a 79th-minute effort cannon off the post, while Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also had chances to strike a decisive blow in the latter stages of the game.

Only Manchester City have scored more goals than Liverpool this season but Jurgen Klopp’s side failed to significantly test Blues keeper Jordan Pickford, as Everton defended diligently while carrying a threat on the break.

Next up for Everton is an away game at Norwich City on Wednesday evening (6pm) and Ancelotti believes his side’s showing against Liverpool can be a springboard for a strong Premier League finish.

“The spirit was really good [against Liverpool} and we want to continue to fight for the places above us,” he told evertontv.

“We will see. I have a good feeling because this game was really difficult and we performed well.

“We would like to have the same spirit for the rest of the season.

“Defensively we did really well. We wanted to use the counter-attack and we did well in that area.

“We had opportunities and we were really close to winning. The players did really well, physically and mentally.

“They were strong and compact. It is never easy to play against Liverpool and we performed well.

“I think with the stadium full we could perform even better and I hope soon we are together [with the fans] again.”

The Merseyside derby showdown represented Everton’s first competitive match in 105 days.

The Blues returned to contact training just over three weeks ago but Ancelotti believes the late pressure his players applied in Sunday’s contest is testament to their impressive fitness levels.

“With this long break, we didn’t know how the players would be physically, but they were really good,” he said.

“The players worked really well in this lockdown period and since we returned to USM Finch Farm.

“We finished the game in very good condition. The physical condition was really good.”

Everton Academy graduate Anthony Gordon made his maiden Premier League start in the match, having previously featured on three occasions as a substitute.

Ancelotti says the 19-year-old’s selection in a game of such magnitude underlines his considerable potential.

“He is going to improve and he is an important part of our future,” the Everton manager added.

“It was not the easiest game for him.

“There was not a lot of space because Liverpool pressed a lot, but he performed well.

“He played for one hour and played with confidence.”