Seamus Coleman says Everton lacked 'fight' as they suffered a surprise home defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League's lunchtime game on Saturday.
Two goals in the last 20 minutes from Callum Wilson saw Steve Bruce's side win 2-0 at Goodison Park, marking their first league victory since early December.
Everton captain Coleman was to the point in his post-match interview with BT Sport.
He made no excuses, saying Newcastle were good value for the win and deserved to head back to the north-east with the three points.
"It's a massive disappointment for us, but I think we know in this league you've got to outfight and out-battle the opposition. Today Newcastle wanted it more which for us isn't good but I think that's what happened today.
"At this level, it all brings its own difficulties, I just thought first and foremost as a team, as individuals today we weren't up for the fight as much as Newcastle were.
"Words are easy, but it’s all about actions. [Carlo] Ancelotti is not happy, but what happens in the dressing room will stay between us. Newcastle fully deserved it.”
The result leaves Everton seventh in the Premier League table with away games against Leeds and manchester United to prepare for this week.
Newcastle are 16th, six points from the drop zone for now with the three points giving Steve Bruce some breathing space.
"When you come here you know you're going to have to play well to get something."
"This is the longest stretch of games I've gone without a win so it was good to get a victory."
A relieved Steve Bruce assesses his side's 2-0 win over Everton 👊
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/ZxPty7d5OE
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 30, 2021
Also speaking to Bt Sport at full-time, Bruce wasn't only happy with the win but also how his side played.
“When you come here you have to play well to get something. We’ve seen signs against Villa and Leeds.
"Getting people back fit has been really important for us. But the way they went about their work today was excellent, because it’s been a tough few weeks to say the least, and that’ll give them confidence.
"We’ve played a certain way for a long, long time, to play deep and play on the counter, it’s something we’ve tried to work on and change.
"It was good to see them play well. All round, we had some really big players. They all played their part. When we’re all right, we know we’re OK!”
