Cape Town - Everton
centre-back Ashley Williams is feeling optimistic about the Toffees'
season after grounding out a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Merseyside
derby on Sunday.
Under the guidance of new boss Sam Allardyce, Everton frustrated the Reds at Anfield. Mohamed Salah put the hosts in front with a superb strike in the 42nd minute, but Dejan Lovren gave away a penalty in the latter stages of the game and Wayne Rooney slotted the spot-kick to salvage a draw.
The result saw Everton's unbeaten run extend to four games in all competitions. They have also climbed up to 10th position, after struggling in the relegation zone at the end of October, and Williams is delighted with what they've managed to achieve.
When asked if there is now more belief in the dressing room, Williams told Everton's official website: “Definitely, since the gaffer has come in we have had three wins and three clean sheets, including the European game.
“We did not get a clean sheet on Sunday but we defended well under a lot of pressure.
“We have not lost in four games and that is what success is built on. To come to Anfield and get a point is not the end of the world for any team.
“All the boys kept our emotions in check. We wanted to control ourselves and ignore the environment a little bit. It was a difficult game, which it was always going to be, but I thought we did very well on the whole.”
Everton travel to St. James' Park to face Newcastle United in their next Premier League clash on Wednesday.
Kick off is at 21:45.