Everton defender John Stones feels they can be pleased with their 0-0 draw against Liverpool.

The Toffees went into the 224th Merseyside derby with the fifth-worst defensive record in the Premier League.

"The break was massively important to regroup and regenerate and to look back on the games we played and look at the positives and negatives and try to put them straight," said the centre-back.

"We always have to keep in mind where we are going wrong but, especially for us, it was a great break to get away, pick a few key points which were going wrong in games.

"Everyone enjoyed it, particularly in the warm weather, and we got closer and bonded more.

"We have looked really solid at the back. We work hard on that and on trying to express ourselves going forward and I think we showed that in parts but not enough to go and get goals.

"We have really turned a corner and we are looking on the up in the second half of the season."