Sean Dyche believes Everton will avoid relegation after a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, leaving them firmly entrenched in the battle for survival.
Dyche’s team appeared to have earned a crucial point at the Vitality Stadium when Beto’s 87th-minute goal cancelled out Dominic Solanke’s opener.
However, in the last seconds, Adam Smith’s cross struck Everton defender Seamus Coleman on the chest before going into the net.
Everton are just three points above the relegation zone with nine games remaining in their latest battle to avoid relegation.
Everton face a nerve-racking finale to the season, with a potential second-point deduction for suspected financial breaches hanging over them, but Dyche remains optimistic.
“The question marks over this club have been here for two-and-a-half, three years,” he said.
“I believe in the players and I believe in myself.”
Everton expect the verdict on a potential punishment to be delivered soon after they had a 10-point deduction for separate offences reduced to six on appeal.
Next up for the Toffees is a trip to Newcastle followed by a clash with relegation rivals Burnley at Goodison Park.
“Obviously I’m frustrated and disappointed with the dying embers of the game,” Dyche said.
“For such a simple moment we get confused and they get a goal out of nothing really.
“We find a goal and I’m pleased with that, because it’s an ugly goal and you can’t always score the perfect goal.
“We should go away with a point of course, but we can’t defend like that.”
Bournemouth took the lead in the 64th minute when Solanke slipped between James Tarkowski and Ben Godfrey to head in Lloyd Kelly’s cross.
Everton responded when Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto lost Dwight McNeil’s cross right at Beto’s feet for an easy tap-in.
Dyche’s joy turned to misery after Coleman’s own goal sent Everton home empty-handed.