Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has said his side's struggles this season have not been because of any problems with attitude.
The Merseysiders recorded their highest-ever Premier League points total last season, notching 72, but secured only 28 points from their first 28 games to leave them in danger of relegation.
But they have responded by taking 13 points from their last five games, and Howard said there are no problems in the Goodison Park camp after the 1-0 home win over Burnley.
"We're fighting and pushing because we've put a lot of effort into this season," he said. "Make no mistake about it, we have. We've given everything we have. We're a good bunch of lads -- no-one has taken days off.
"We've not changed anything tactically. We've not changed anything from a formation standpoint. It's hard to say. Everybody wants answers, they want blood, they want to figure out solutions.
"Sometimes it's not as easy as that. Football is just a strange game, and we are not doing anything different. We've been resolute, we've been strong and it's been good."
Howard said he could not put his finger on why Everton had failed to replicate the verve they showed last season.
"People ask that question all the time and there are a thousand different reasons," he added. "No-one has a divine right to be fighting for places up there.
"I think our performances have been good but our results haven't. Sometimes it's down to individual errors or the team not physically playing well."
Everton have only conceded two goals in their last five league matches as they have enjoyed their best spell of the campaign.
"We've been very solid defensively," Howard said. "I didn't have a save to make today. That's a big thing for us."