Sean Dyche believes self-inflicted errors were to blame as Everton's four-game unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial either side of half-time earned the hosts victory at Old Trafford.
Blues boss Dyche made one enforced change from the starting line-up that had started each of the past four games, with Ellis Simms replacing Abdoulaye Doucoure, who served the first game of a three-match ban.
It was Simms who was presented with Everton's best chance of the contest with the deadlock still intact - and, while conceding his side were second best on the day, Dyche believes had that been converted the outcome may have been different.
"I think we're bringing a bit of resilience to what we do," said Dyche afterwards. "A lot of it was self-inflicted to be fair in the first.
"They're a good side and have only lost one at home - that's a story in itself - but it was self-inflicted getting caught with straight balls and not getting into the game quick enough.
"It was long balls and they were seeing it quicker than we did. The players they've got there can mix and match the game; they can play if they have to but they can be direct. At this level of the market, you don't want to be getting done by straight balls.
"On the other end, we bailed ourselves out with some good last-ditch defending and saves from Jordan when needed and we were sort of in it.
"We had a golden chance and you don't get many of them when you come to a place like this and that might have changed the feel of what was going on.
"Our challenge is to still ask more in the goalscoring department and chance creation, which we've done better, and then it's finding the final moments."
Just seven points separated the bottom nine teams in the Premier League table at the final whistle and Dyche called on his players to retain the resilient side they have displayed in recent weeks going forward.
"We haven't changed the fight; the fight is there for all to see," said Dyche. "It's about our mentality, which is growing.
"It's a reminder of the truth in front of you when you play these top sides. That's a reality of the game.
"We've had three tough games and got two points out of it. It doesn't sound a lot, but it's a fair return and the manner in which we got those points.
"Today was a bit of soft one. A clear reminder of we've got to do all the basics right, constantly through the game. Too many mistakes, too many turnovers. We could have affected the game, but we didn't."
Seamus Coleman was withdrawn late on after suffering an injury and the Everton captain is now set to be monitored over the next 48 hours to check on the severity of the problem ahead of the Blues' visit of Fulham next weekend.
Dyche added: "We've had to be careful - we're not sure yet whether it's a strain or a knock because it was kind of both at the same time so we'll let that calm down over the next 24-48 hours and see what the news is."
