Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti admits they failed to meet standards for their 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.
Everton went into the match having won five and drawn one of their past seven top-flight matches.
The Toffees were aiming to close the gap on the Premier League's top four to just one point but saw their momentum checked as Newcastle striker Callum Wilson struck twice to earn the Magpies a 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti said his players did not perform to the levels expected of them.
“I think Newcastle won the game because they showed more fighting spirit on the pitch," said the Italian.
“They showed more concentration, more motivation. They were the weapons we had when we won games – spirit, motivation, concentration and ambition.
“I think we forgot all this today at home. I don't know why. But that was the reason, it was not a tactical or physical reason, it was a mental reason. The psychological aspect affected our performance.
“I am surprised. We had a good run until now. We are happy for what we have done.
"We cannot forget why we had a good run – because we showed good spirit on the pitch.
“Not because we had better quality. Of course, we have good quality in the squad, but without spirit, there is no quality.
“We were not focused. We gave 12 corners to them. We didn't win duels, second balls. This is the game – not only showing the quality."
