Roberto Martinez disappointed with Everton finishing in defeat

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was left to rue a lack of cutting edge after his side were beaten 2-0 at home by Sunderland.

The Toffees dominated the game for long periods but mustered just four shots on target against their relegation-threatened opponents.

While there was a stroke of fortune about both Sunderland goals, Martinez acknowledged his side should have done better with their openings.

“You have to score goals. I would have been very disappointed if we had not found the way to have an attacking threat or it had been a pedestrian game," he said.

"I don't think today has been that case but we cannot be happy with what happened in the 18-yard box.

"The technical aspect of the performance was very good and I thought we opened Sunderland up in many occasions.

"(But) I don't think we were sharp enough. We had 22 attempts, 15 corners, 75 per cent possession.”

Danny Graham opened the scoring early in the second half when he turned in Jordi Gomez’s strike before Jermain Defoe secured victory for the visitors late on.

"Today everything that could have gone against us in our box did - like a deflected shot the first time they got anywhere near our 18-yard box,” said Martinez.

"The two goals are very unfortunate, the second John Stones gets impeded by Steven Fletcher.

"Those key moments would have definitely changed the scoreline, but, overall, we want to set really high standards. We are already building for next season and results matter when you do that, so we are disappointed.”