Ben Godfrey believes Everton’s collective intent to “play on the front foot and get the fans behind us” was the key factor behind the Blues’ purposeful and high-energy performance in Sunday’s goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

On an afternoon of high drama at Goodison Park, Everton consistently carried the greater attacking threat and Godfrey admitted to a degree of frustration the Toffees could not convert their enterprising display into three points.

Everton were denied a penalty just after the hour mark when Hugo Lloris looked to have brought down Richarlison. On-field referee Chris Kavanagh awarded the spot-kick but, following an intervention by VAR Jonathan Moss, the decision was overturned.

Rafa Benitez's side had 12 shots during game – four more than the away side – and the Blues’ defensive solidity was underlined by the fact Tottenham did not have a single effort on target.

Godfrey explained how the team were determined to perform with intensity, courage and belief from the outset.

“We were more aggressive than we have been in previous games,” he said.

“We wanted to be on the front foot and get the fans behind us. We spoke about that and I think it paid off. 

“These fans love it when you’re getting stuck in, putting tackles in and setting the tempo of the game. 

“It makes Goodison a difficult place to come when you’re doing that. 

“We’ve had a tough couple of weeks which has been our own doing. We’ve been below our standards.

"It was great to play in front of the fans in such a good atmosphere. They were behind us for the full 90 minutes and I think we were unfortunate not to nick the win.”

On Everton’s defensive effort, he added: “Spurs have got the quality to punish any team but I think they had very few chances. 

“They hit the post late on but I thought overall we were reasonably solid and got a well-deserved clean sheet.

“There are positives we can take from today. It was important we bounced back from the past couple of weeks when we were disappointed with our performances and results. 

“We’ll take confidence from this and come back after the international break ready to go again.”

Godfrey missed the first four games of the 2021/22 season after testing positive for Covid-19. He revealed how it took some time to regain optimum fitness following the illness, explaining how he “felt like I was in someone else’s body” when he made his return to First-Team action.

The defender believes he is approaching the peak of his powers again.

He said: “I struggled at the start after coming back from Covid. I feel a lot better within myself now and I’m just enjoying my football.”

Godfrey also had words of support for Mason Holgate, who was given a red card in stoppage time against Spurs following a challenge on midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

“I feel for Mason,” Godfrey said. “He works hard every day and he’ll be devastated. 

“Tackling is part of football and Mason is not a malicious player at all. I feel for him but he’ll be back.

“He just went to put in a firm challenge and win the ball. In football, sometimes you can catch the man and the referee thought it was a red card.

"Fortunately, we held out with 10 men."