James Tarkowski insists Everton’s broken unbeaten run will not derail their season.
A 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday brought a seven-game stretch for Frank Lampard’s side to an end despite Alex Iwobi opening the scoring.
The Blues currently sit 12th in the Premier League table, having taken 10 points from their opening nine matches of the new campaign.
But Tarkowski is adamant that the nature of loss does not override the strides made by the Goodison Park dressing room in the season’s opening months.
He said: “We got punished for giving the ball away simply so it needs to be looked at.
“But we’ve been playing well, we’ve been in a good place and we still are in a good place. It’s just a disappointing 45 minutes.
“There’s [still] a good feeling. I think we saw from the fans at the end, they were right with us and there’s a lot of games ahead.
“One 45 minutes isn’t going to ruin our season so we’re look forward to the weekend, prepare well again and hopefully put in a better performance.”
Everton also saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin make his long-awaited return from injury as a substitute during the closing stages against the Red Devils.
And Tarkowski believes that the England international’s comeback offers greater attacking options after Neal Maupay had to shoulder that burden.
“It’s massive for us,” admitted the defender.
“Neal’s been class but we need options and having Dom back there, everybody knows what he’s about.
“He’s a goal scorer, he’s a threat in the air. His hold up play is good and a great character so players like that are important for us.
“Injuries are one of the worst parts of the game but he’s stuck at it, he’s worked hard and hopefully he stays fit now for us.”