Spragia was handed the job on a permanent basis yesterday after leading the Black Cats as caretaker boss following Roy Keane's resignation at the start of the month.

But, after three games unbeaten, Sunderland could not end the year on a high as two Mikel Arteta goals and a late Dan Gosling strike handed the home side three routine points.

For Sbragia it was a rude awakening to the demands of the big time.

He said: "It has not been the best start to my management career. We knew it was going to be difficult at Everton, and it certainly proved to be that.

"In general they were far superior to us. We spoke beforehand about not giving any silly free-kicks away around the box, and that is exactly what we did and they scored twice.

"From 2-0 down it was always going to be an extremely difficult game.

"Overall in all departments, Everton were better. Tiredness doesn't come into it. Everton have played three games in six days and they seemed fine, so we can't use that as an excuse."

He added: "They have talent, they work extremely hard and are always in your faces. We just didn't do ourselves justice.

"But I am still looking forward to my new role. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. We have a difficult FA Cup tie next weekend (against Bolton) and then a derby game with Middlesbrough straight afterwards, so it is not going to get any easier.

"We have to get the troops together to start working hard on the training ground.

"The aim at the moment is to stay in the Premier League, we are still down at the bottom and not clear. If we were 10 points clear it would be different, but that is not the case.

"We have to get higher up the table, and quickly. My aim is just to stay in this division.

"There is a lot more responsibility, and the flak comes my way now. But we have to carry on, work on what we need now the transfer window is open."

Everton assistant boss Steve Round was delighted with his side's current form.

He said: "We are very pleased with six points over the festive period, we did well on Boxing Day (at Middlesbrough) and we deserved the three points here as well.

"We have some momentum, we are in a good run of form and we are staying in touch with the top clubs. If we can keep this going until March then we will be in contention for top six and Champions League.

"Top six is our target, it always is. If we can do that, can we get into the Champions League? If we don't it will not be through a lack of trying or ambition.

"We do not have the finances to compete with the big boys, but we try to get there on organisation and spirit. And adding quality when we can.

"We don't feel this is a bonus considering our poor early form and now the injuries, we all feel this is where we deserve to be. We are getting the rewards for our hard work."