Everton boss Roberto Martinez has refused to be critical of his side after their 2-0 defeat to Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Goals from Danny Graham and Jermain Defoe consigned the Toffees to a home reverse, but after watching his team dominate proceedings for most of the game, Martinez defended his players' display.
He told reporters: "Today everything that could have gone against us in our box did, but I think we defended fantastically well.
"We weren't sharp enough in the 18-yard box, but the technical aspect of the performance was good. [A top-10 finish now] becomes very difficult, but it is still up for grabs. It is important we don't lose focus of wanting to get there."
The defeat to the Black Cats leaves Everton 11th in the Premier League table.
