Roberto Martinez has admitted that Everton's 3-0 reverse at the hands of Southampton this afternoon is a "real setback" for his side.
The Toffees came unstuck at St Mary's Stadium as Graziano Pelle and Maya Yoshida added to Romelu Lukaku's earlier own goal, and the result leaves them down in 10th place in the Premier League table.
"It is a setback," Martinez told reporters following the game. "I don't think we've been involved in a good run of results like we did last season and that is what we are chasing.
"Clearly, it is a real setback. I thought Southampton had been in a very unfortunate run and I don't think they deserved to lose all the games that they did, but today they had all things going their way.
"That is football. From our point of view, we just need to get ready for the game against Stoke at home and make sure we get a good run of results now."
Following next week's meeting with Stoke City, Everton see out 2014 with a trip to face Newcastle United.
Daniel Lewis
