Everton have now won just one of their last 11 games and go into Sunday’s derby on the back of two defeats in five days.

Liverpool have registered only two wins in a similar period, but Moyes said: “I only look at Everton’s form, I’m not concentrating on other teams. I know we have to do better.

“The first thing you do as a player is you run around, but I’ll need to get them to do that more than they are at the moment.”

Steven Pienaar at least offered some cheer by playing 90 minutes on his return to action after two months out, although that was tempered by a groin problem for Jack Rodwell.

“Getting Steven Pienaar back was a positive,” said Moyes. “We had hoped to play him for 65 minutes but we had to leave him on longer.

“Now Jack Rodwell has suffered a groin injury but we’re not sure whether it will make him a doubt for the derby.”

Hull manager Phil Brown moved to defend the beleaguered Moyes and is convinced Everton’s season will turn once their injury concerns ease.

He said: “There’s no doubt in my mind Everton are a top side and will be challenging for a European place. Everton have strength in depth.

“It is being tested at the moment and Davey has made reference to the injuries, but to able to boast Gosling, Jo and Hibbert on the bench shows a real strength.

“They have 11 players missing through injury or suspension and any team would struggle with that.

“I know Davey, and he is strong willed and a strong character and he will get his just rewards this season.”