Frank Lampard says Everton’s resolve and solidity earned the Blues a point in Saturday’s goalless draw at Fulham, admitting “that’s a game we would have lost last season”.

A hard-fought battle at Craven Cottage finished goalless, with the Blues successfully repelling increasing Fulham pressure in the second half.

Everton’s best work as an attacking force came in the first half, with Demarai Gray, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anthony Gordon all having opportunities to score.

Lampard said Everton did not come close to performing to same levels they did in last week’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace but took heart from his team’s spirit and togetherness.  

“It was okay from us, just okay,” said Lampard.

“We had bright periods in the game but not loads. Fulham are in good form, and you can feel that in the stadium.

"I will take the point. We got a lot of credit last week and today we were not at that level.

“People get excited by one performance last week but I don't. We are still in that process. It's a long road and we are in the early stages of it.

"Every game is a different challenge. We are in a process of keeping working and improving. The good news is that last year we would have lost that game, by a couple of goals. Now we have the resilience to block things and get in front of things.”

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was booked for a strong challenge on Idrissa Gana Gueye midway through the first half, in which the Blues midfielder was caught high on the ankle.

Asked whether the Serbian could potentially have been sent off, Lampard said: "It was a red card for Mitrovic, I have nothing against him but he knew, he put his arm up straight away. VAR is there to deal with these things.

“Last year our midfielder Allan got a yellow, it was upgraded to red and he got a four-game ban. It was nowhere near as forceful as that one tonight. It was a red card and we haven't had those decisions this year.”

The closest Fulham came to making a breakthrough came just eight minutes into the game when Willian hammered a shot at goal from close range, only for Jordan Pickford to make a stunning one-handed save.

"Jordan has been great, he's top-level,” Lampard added.

“Last week [against Palace] he had his feet up, this week he did his job. We are delighted to have him."