Everton manager Roberto Martinez said his side had deserved better after dominating their home game against West Brom only to lose 1-0.
After back-to-back 3-0 league wins, Everton appeared to have turned a corner -- but the spotlight was back on Martinez after their sixth home defeat of the season.
The Toffees now have the worst home defensive record in Europe's top five leagues, and their manager could not offer much in the way of an excuse.
"We have conceded too many goals," he said. "Today, that little bit of luck was not in our favour but we have to change that.
"The home form is where we were looking forward to get a fortress, to get good results even when you are not playing well, and it hasn't been the case.
"We have been so strong away from home -- that is where you get tested. We have got the best away record we have had for a long time."
Martinez did not think his side's performance had been bad, adding: "Sometimes a dominant performance doesn't give you a good result and that was the story.
"West Brom had one shot on target and we had over 30 attempts and hit the post and the crossbar. I thought the dominance deserved a better result."
West Brom head coach Tony Pulis said: "There are clubs with budgets, facilities better than yours and you have to find a way with winning. That is what I do.
"Too many people worry about what too many other people say. I am not worrying about them. You have got to wash your mind away from it and stay focused and get the points.
"We need 40 points. We were resilient. We defended for our lives, which we had to."