Tim Howard baffled by Everton's performance against Southampton

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has admitted that he has been left scratching his head following the Merseyside outfit's defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

The Toffees' chances of qualifying for the Champions League took a hit when own goals from Antolin Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman resulted in a 2-0 loss at St Mary's.

"We just weren't ourselves," Howard told the Liverpool Echo. "We couldn't get to the ball and when we had it we couldn't take care of it.

"All the things you've come to know from us this season were missing, even the work and tireless energy. It was head-scratching.

"The disappointing thing was the performance - two own goals, you can't legislate for that and we just weren't at the races."

Everton are one point behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who play Newcastle United this evening.