Everton manager Rafael Benitez says he understands the frustrations of supporters but believes his side can rediscover their early season form after defeat at Brentford left them winless in seven games.
Ivan Toney coolly slotted in a 24th-minute penalty, awarded after Andros Townsend's high challenge on Frank Onyeka was reviewed by referee Darren England on the pitch-side monitor, as Brentford ended their own five-match wait for a Premier League win.
"We can understand the frustration of the fans but we are also frustrated," Benitez said.
"Today you cannot complain about the effort and intensity the players put in. We didn't deserve to lose but the reality is the team is giving everything on the pitch and you can see the togetherness of the players," he added.
"It is a question of confidence, missing players - but you could see what we were capable of doing at the beginning of the season. When we have everyone available, I am confident we will do it again."
Toney's spot-kick ignited a largely uneventful start to a meeting between the two clubs rooted to the bottom of the Premier League's form table.
Salomon Rondon was denied an immediate equaliser by Bees goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez at close range and Abdoulaye Doucoure produced a superb tackle to thwart Vitaly Janelt at the other end moments later.
Everton dominated following half-time but Rondon - replacing the suspended Richarlison in attack - saw an attempt blocked and Iwobi shot straight at Fernandez as the visitors chased an equaliser to no avail.
Brentford climbed to 12th in the table after surviving intense late pressure at the Brentford Community Stadium, above Benitez's side who slip to 14th.
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