FRUSTRATED Everton boss Marco Silva admitted the Toffees were second best in almost every department as they were soundly beaten at St Mary’s.

Though Gylfi Sigurdsson’s late goal may have set a few Saints nerves jangling, the 2-1 scoreline was generous on Everton who rarely threatened to get a foothold in the game.

Southampton totally deserved the win,” said a disappointed Silva.

“They were more aggressive than us.

“They were faster than us in some moments also.

“This is something for us to learn for this type of games and how to approach them.”

Silva was ultimately left to rue further inconsistency from an expensively-assembled squad not yet realising its expected potential.

“It’s our challenge, to come here to get a result, to keep winning, to be more consistent,” said Silva.

“It’s not something new. We have to look for ourselves because this is a little bit different from some of the other matches.”

He added: “I already have my feedback to our players. When you are playing this type of team, they are giving everything to get out of that danger zone where they are, it's up to us to at least show the same perseverance that they are.

“Of course, [the lack of chances we created] it's a concern for us. In the first half we didn't create at all. We started faster in the second half but that goal changed the game and it allowed them to play more on the counter-attack.”