Everton manager David Moyes admits it may be time to get tough with his players following the Toffees' disappointing start to the season.
The 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle on Saturday ensured Moyes' side have started the campaign without a win in five Premier League games.
The previous week's stirring comeback at home to Manchester United was expected to kick-start the Toffees' season, but Moyes acknowledged his team were second best against Newcastle.
Moyes accepts he can not allow the poor form to continue and believes he may have to go old school to inspire his players.
"Maybe I need to get tougher with them," said Moyes. "Maybe I need to go back to some of the old ways. We'll soon see what they're like then.
"I've been telling them for a long time that they are good players and a good team. Maybe I need to change what I am telling them.
"They have to earn the right to play for this team. Newcastle went about their job in a way we didn't.
"This was certainly our poorest performance since last year and that has been the biggest shock for me. So now is the time when I have to do something about it.
"We're capable of so much more and it's in times like this that the lead comes from the manager.
"So I have to be the one who has to change my outlook in what I expect from them from now on."
