Everton boss Dave Watson accused his players of lacking the passion for a survival fight after a Villa Park surrender.

Despite taking an early lead through David Unsworth, the Goodison side fell apart, handing goals on a plate to Savo Milosevic and Dwight Yorke either side of a Steve Staunton strike from a free-kick.

It was a defeat which left the Merseysiders still deep in the mire, after just two wins in 15, and central defender Watson admitted their showing was simply not good enough. 'We gave the ball away too much and didn't battle. I thought one or two heads dropped, and that is something that has to be put right," said Watson.

He added: "It was disappointing that we gave away an equaliser just before half-time, but what was worse was that we just didn't react to their second goal.

"I was hoping for a better reaction from us to get the game back, but it didn't happen."