Manager Frank Lampard feels that Everton dropped their recent high standards during their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday evening.
The Toffees went into the match possessing the best defensive record in the Premier League and having put together a six-match unbeaten streak.
During the early stages, Everton looked like they could inflict another defeat on United's season when Alex Iwobi curled a beautiful long-range effort into the top corner of David de Gea's net.
However, errors began to creep into the home side's game, and mistakes from Idrissa Gueye and Iwobi led to Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo putting United ahead by the half-time whistle.
Although Everton rallied during the closing stages at Goodison Park, there could be no complaints about losing for the third time in the top flight during 2022-23.
Having succumbed to the 700th club goal of Ronaldo's career, Lampard acknowledged that Everton had not replicated the level of displays which recently led to victories over West Ham United and Southampton.
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Speaking to BBC Sport, Lampard said: "[We should have] played better in the first half. We were off our usual standard. We weren't our usual selves in the first half. It didn't look like an Everton team to me. We were a bit off.
"When you make clear mistakes Manchester United can punish you. It was a good reaction, good spirit but the first half was not enough against a team of that level.
"Sometimes we needed to put our foot on the ball and make some extra passes. Players have to make the decision to calm the game down. There can be an urgency to react.
"We're a team who are building and putting things together so maybe a performance like that is understandable after some of our games lately."
Everton end the weekend in 10th position in the standings, four points above the relegation zone ahead of next weekend's trip to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Darren Plant
