Everton boss David Moyes batted off a suggestion he contemplating quitting after last night’s defeat at Hull. But the Scot did admit his side could be dragged into a relegation scrap after going down 3-2 in a remarkable Premier League encounter at the KC Stadium.

The Toffees have won just once in their last seven games and are now level with Hull, who have climbed out of the relegation zone by taking seven of the last nine points available.

When asked in the post-match press conference if he was aware of a rumour on Merseyside that he was preparing to stand down, the Scot turned the question back on his inquisitor.

“Do you live on Merseyside?” he asked back. When asked if he was prepared to comment on the rumour, he flatly said: “No.”

Another question concerned the club’s position in the table, 14th, four points above the bottom three.

Moyes was asked if he was worried Everton could become embroiled in a survival battle, and he replied: “Could be, yes.”

Moyes would also not comment on news that the club have failed to secure permission to build a new stadium.

Everton were beaten in the first half hour of the game as Hull raced ahead with goals from Stephen Hunt, Andy Dawson and Dean Marney.

Two errors from Kamil Zayatte — scoring an own goal and conceding a penalty which Louis Saha converted — allowed the visitors a route back into the game but Hull held on.

Moyes said: “We didn’t play well enough to win, that sums it up really. I don’t think it was anything to do with confidence, it was to do with endeavour and attitude, which Hull City showed.

“If we had matched Hull’s endeavour and attitude — they ran around and it earned them something at the end of the night. A team should fight from the first minute, not the 45th.”

Moyes, though, admitted he is the one who has to take the blame for Everton’s stuttering form.

“The performance was shocking and we all take responsibility for it. I’ve seen a few poor performances since I’ve been here but that will be up there with the worst of them,” he told Everton’s official website.

“It is up to the players to take responsibility but I take responsibility for the players I select.

“We could be dragged into a relegation fight — particularly because of the injuries and individual performances. But I am the one who has to take responsibility for the team. I pick the team and I sign them. I’m the one who has the ultimate responsibility.”