Everton boss Marco Silva believes his side were not at their best during Saturday’s defeat to Southampton, and claimed the home side were worthy winners.
The Toffees fell to a 2-1 defeat on the South Coast leaving them in the bottom half of the Premier League table, as aspirations of a top-six finish slip away.
James Ward-Prowse gave Saints the lead with a fine individual goal, five minutes into the second-half, before Lucas Digne’s own goal doubled the home side’s advantage; his toe poke flying past Jordan Pickford into the Everton net.
Gylfi Sigurdsson gave Silva’s side hope of a late comeback, but his 91st-minute striker was ultimately too late as the Toffee’s struggled to create chances throughout.
And the Everton boss recognised Southampton as deserved winners following the match.
I thought they deserved the three points. They were more aggressive than us, not just without the ball but with the ball as well. We spoke at half-time, changed some things and we started the half like we wanted and in that moment it looked as though we would do what we needed to do.
Silva also revealed he is not looking to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, and wishes to end any speculation for the sake of his squad.
I said two days ago in my pre-match press conference to stop the speculation and also for our dressing room, is that the feedback from the board is that we don’t have the conditions to go into the market.
Up next for Silva and Everton is a tricky looking FA Cup tie away against Millwall next weekend.
