Everton fell to a disappointing defeat to Leicester City over the weekend, and although it was against a resurgent Foxes side their all-around performance was largely inexcusable.

Whilst the midfield arguably lost them the game, allowing James Maddison far too much space to assist both of the goals, the front three was decidedly toothless throughout.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was his usual workmanlike self but missed a huge chance to put them ahead in the first half, whilst the wide men were yet again disappointing. But what often gets Goodison Park most riled up is a lack of effort.

Demarai Gray may have been lacking offensively, but he would certainly give his all to at least try and win the ball back after being dispossessed.

Anthony Gordon meanwhile has come under fire at times this campaign for often abandoning his defensive duties, leaving Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman out to dry on numerous occasions.

Perhaps, with the World Cup and a large break on the horizon, Frank Lampard could look to teach the youngster a lesson by leaving him on the bench for both of their games against AFC Bournemouth this week.

Both will be regarded as must-win affairs, with the first meeting on Tuesday being in the EFL Cup, and the latter being a 3pm kick-off on Saturday in the Premier League.

After his four-goal haul last season in the league, Gordon looked poised to demolish that record when he scored two in his first five matches of this campaign.

However, just one in the following eight, partnered with a lack of general threat in game has led to ever-growing scrutiny surrounding his starts over Dwight McNeil.

Although perhaps a less exciting option, the former Burnley man at least averages 2.29 tackles per game and ranks in the top 18% for blocks per 90.

He also has scored twice this season, suggesting he is just as much of a goal threat as the homegrown talent.

After his simple finish against Crystal Palace, he himself admitted with regard to a relentless work ethic: “I’ve not been good enough at it this year.”

With this damning self-assessment, perhaps a spell on the bench could be the impetus to see him return on Boxing Day with a newfound appreciation for his place in the starting lineup.