Carlo Ancelotti cited tiredness among the reasons for Everton’s loss to Fulham.
Sunday’s 2-0 defeat saw the west Londoners secure a first-ever win in the top flight at Goodison Park, where they had lost consecutively since March 1961.
The Blues headed into the game on the back of a gruelling FA Cup fifth round encounter with Tottenham in midweek which had to be settled in extra time.
And Ancelotti believes the physical toll of the clash against Jose Mourinho’s side played a contributing role in his players’ poor follow-up performance.
He said: “The performance was not good enough, it was not what we expected.
“We knew it was an important game and that it was a difficult game. We were not able to manage our difficulties.
“It was a really high intensity game and we were really tired from the game on Wednesday.
“Second, the pressure they put really high on our centre-backs meant we didn’t have the opportunity to use possession to create opportunities.”
The result sets Everton up for a difficult week in which they face Premier League leaders Manchester City and champions Liverpool in quick succession.
“We are really disappointed because with a victory we could climb the table,” added Ancelotti.
“Now we have two difficult games to play, but I think we need to have hope because usually, these types of games we played better.
“We have missed, on paper, the easy games but in the difficult games we have played really well and, I think we can do the same on Wednesday.
“Of course I am disappointed and the players are disappointed. We have to be focused on the next two games.”