Jordan Pickford believes Everton showed graft against Aston Villa

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has given his thoughts on the recent performance of the squad against Aston Villa.

The Toffees were defeated 1-0 in their fist game of the season since Rafael Benitez was fired, with Duncan Ferguson currently in the hot seat.

However, the Scotsman was not able to guide the team to a victory, with Everton currently sat 16th in the Premier League table, but Pickford was pleased with aspects of their performance.

"I think the fight, intensity, tempo was there. We showed that graft, I think we showed character and desire. It was just that finishing touch (that evaded us) but that will come," he told the club website.

"It is about working hard on the training pitch, and then going out there and expressing yourself with determination and we will get those results."

Everton will next be in action on February 5 when they face Brentford in the FA Cup.