Jordan Pickford is convinced Everton’s results will improve if the Blues continue displaying the “fight, intensity and determination” shown in the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

Everton – under the management of caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson – mounted sustained pressure in hunt of a leveller after Emiliano Buendia’s header put the away side in front on the stroke of half-time.

Yerry Mina came agonisingly close to scoring when his header from Anthony Gordon’s delivery went fractions wide.

A sensational cross from substitute Gordon also presented Dominic Calvert-Lewin with an opportunity to equalise, but the striker’s attempt went over the crossbar.

In total, Everton aimed 15 shots at goal in the second half as Ferguson's high-energy side put Villa under the cosh, but the vital breakthrough proved elusive at Goodison Park.

“I think the fight, intensity, tempo was there,” Pickford said. “We showed that graft.

“Unfortunately, conceding from a set-piece has done us. Set-pieces in games are crucial. We need to work on that.

“We were unfortunate to go in 1-0 down [at half-time] and in the second half we were much better.

“I think we showed character and desire. It was just that finishing touch (that evaded us) but that will come.”

Everton now have a chance to recharge, with a two-week international break before an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brentford at Goodison on Saturday 5 February.

The Blues will take on Newcastle United at St James' Park three days later, before welcoming Leeds United to Goodison on Saturday 12 February.

Pickford added: “It’s about working hard on the training pitch, and then going out there and expressing yourself with determination – and we’ll get those results.

“It’ll come. I think we were solid and resilient at the back today, we didn’t concede many chances.

“It’s about getting that first goal [in matches] and having that confidence throughout the side.”