David Moyes take positives from Sunderland's second-half showing against Everton
Saturday 25 February 2017 19:19, UK
David Moyes hopes Sunderland can build on their second-half showing against Everton after they were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Black Cats were on the back foot before half-time and fell behind to Idrissa Gueye's 40th-minute goal.
But they improved after the break and went close to an equaliser when Jermain Defoe's shot hit the bar and bounced down on the line.
"I have shaken the players' hands in the dressing room and said keep it going," Sunderland manager Moyes told Sky Sports.
"The second-half performance was good, the first half wasn't good enough, but they showed a bit of bottle to take the ball and pass it better in the second half and try to play. We have to try to build on that.
"We did ever so well to make sure it was only 1-0, we stayed in the game and were hoping we could nick something. We earned our chance, we grew into it, played better, but ultimately we didn't get it and then gave away a second goal."
The defeat leaves Sunderland rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, now three points from safety after Crystal Palace's win over Middlesbrough.
"We are trying to get the best we can and the players are giving everything they have got," said Moyes.
"It's not for the lack of effort or running or working. If anything we just don't quite have the quality.
"You have to remember the quality of Everton, where they are and what they are trying to achieve. We are trying to achieve different things at the other end of the table, so there is a gulf in the quality of player."
