Everton boss David Moyes has held crisis talks with his players.
Moyes held a blunt meeting with his players this week.
The Goodison gaffer said: "I've told them the one thing you could never do was beat Everton up, no chance. If you wanted a scrap against us, then we'd be standing there waiting for you, no problem.
"I've been disappointed with the physical side of their game.
"The biggest concern for me is we have lost our competitive edge in the last few games.
"We definitely need to rediscover our toughness, and maybe have to sacrifice a little of our style."
