Jean-Luc Vasseur expressed that Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to West Ham United was difficult to accept.

The Blues performed well in the first half but two goals on each side of the half-time whistle meant it proved difficult to take points on the team’s return to action, with a late third from the hosts confirming the Hammers’ victory.

After a disruptive few weeks due to positive COVID-19 cases within the Everton squad, the French boss was disappointed his side couldn’t begin 2022 on a positive note.

“The result is very hard for us to take,” Vasseur told evertontv.

“We managed the start of the game really well, we had two efforts hit off the crossbar.

“Then we concede an own goal right at the end of the half.

“We just aren’t getting our luck at the moment.

“As a result of our COVID cases, we don’t have the energy to play in the second half like we did in the first.

“We need to build on how we played in the first half and create more opportunities.

“That starts on the training ground, and we are going to work quickly to make sure those results come.”

However, Vasseur stated that now is not a time for heads to drop and issued a rallying call for his players to stick together and the positive results will come.

“We need to be resilient; we cannot give up,” he expressed.

“The players play for our badge and for the colour of the shirt.

“I explained to them that we have to do more, unlock our potential and get results.

“One thing we must work on is scoring the first goal in a match.

“You look at our match against West Ham earlier in the season, we go behind and then have to react.

“Today, I thought we were better than in that match in December, but sometimes you don’t get what you deserve.

“I believe we are going to succeed, and we will come back from this.”