Leeds approached the weekend’s clash at Goodison Park looking to build on Wednesday night’s epic 3-3 draw at Aston Villa but goals from Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon gave Frank Lampard’s new side an easy victory.
The result saw fifth-bottom Everton close to within one point of 15th-placed Leeds, and with a game in hand, although Leeds remain six points clear of the drop zone.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side failed to muster a single shot on target, albeit Rodrigo thumped two fine efforts against the crossbar, and James hit back at suggestions that Leeds were in a bit of trouble.
Asked if the Whites were in a spot of bother in the bottom half, James told LUTV: “No not at all.
“I think we all believe in ourselves, the manager believes in us. It just wasn’t our day today.”
Pressed on whether he felt Leeds could have had any complaints with the scoreline, James admitted: “No. We had to implement our game today and we just weren’t at the races from the start.
“The fans got behind them and they were the better team today.”
James also refuted suggestions that there was any fatigue following Wednesday night’s exertions at Villa.
“I don’t think so at all,” he said.
“They had a game the day before and I don’t think it makes too much of a difference.
“I just felt they were on the front foot.
“We knew they were going to be at the races obviously having a new manager and the crowd was going to be behind them but the early goal for them killed us a little bit.
“We had to try and work to get back into the game and unfortunately we couldn’t.”
Leeds were dealt a setback even before going 1-0 down against the Toffees as Stuart Dallas was forced off injured.
“It’s a massive blow,” admitted James.
“Stu is a great player and can play anywhere on the pitch where he is asked to play and hopefully he is not put for too long.”
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1. Cavani wants out
Edinson Cavani is expected to leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer, and is keen on a move to La Liga. (Fabrizio Romano) (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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2. Chelsea weigh up Webster swoop
Chelsea FC are considering a summer move to sign Brighton defender Adam Webster. (Mirror) (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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3. Coutinho in demand
Arsenal and West Ham United will reportedly go up against Aston Villa in the race to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in the summer. (Fichajes) (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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4. Toon want Gnabry
Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry, who could cost around £50 million. (Fichajes) (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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5. Clarets want Rose
Southampton are now battling Burnley for the signature of Coventry City defender Michael Rose ahead of the summer transfer window. (Mirror) (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
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6. Cherries want O’Brien
Bournemouth have joined the race to land Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien for around £10 million. Leeds have been linked in the past. (The Sun) (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)