Moyes laments below-par Toffees

Everton boss David Moyes admitted most of his players failed to match their own high standards in the disappointing UEFA Cup last-16 2-0 first-leg defeat away to Fiorentina.

Moyes' team were undone by two quality second-half strikes - from Zdravko Kuzmanovic and then Riccardo Montolivo - and the Scot acknowledged they were off the pace throughout the match in Florence.

"The performance was not good," said the Toffees boss. "I think we didn't start the game and we gave the initiative to Fiorentina."

He added: "We now have a big job to do. They are a good team and on this performance we need to do much better.

"They played well throughout and in all departments. Early on they had a couple of shots against us as a warning. We should have defended their crosses and not given the midfield players the chance to get shots away.

"Some players, in fact the majority, didn't play to their potential. We've another game and hopefully we can do better."

Moyes' opposite number Cesare Prandelli - who, like Moyes, has steered his team into Champions League contention - said: "It was a great performance.

"However, I am convinced that next week we will suffer much more. We conceded little and for that I give my compliments to the lads.

"It was difficult as they are a top side. Now we are more convinced of our worth and the recent good results have given us a morale and confidence boost."