Everton were expected to return from the World Cup break refreshed after what had been a taxing first half of the season, however, today’s display suggested anything but.

Frank Lampard’s men fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat despite taking the lead early on, with a gut-wrenching winner courtesy of Rayan Air Nouri at the death.

It was a true smash and grab from the Old Gold, who only had 42% of the ball all game. The Toffees boasted more shots, shots on target and expected goals, yet could not kill the game off.

With Yerry Mina nodding in the opener after seven minutes, Goodison Park returned to its fiery best as it roared their side's press into action.

However, with a well-worked set piece of their own, Daniel Podence silenced them with a neat finish from close range.

Then, frustrated by the lack of options in midfield and out wide, Goodison Park returned to its toxic worst.

There were many points of contention across the ground, with fans questioning who had let Lampard down the most. Whilst the toothless nature of Vitaliy Mykolenko may have frustrated fans, outlined in his two failed crosses and 6.3 rating, it was surely Anthony Gordon who will have drawn the most anger.

The 21-year-old continued his barren run and was deservedly marked down by Sofascore, as he earned the worst rating of anyone on the pitch (6.1).

Although he did make an impressive seven tackles higher up the pitch, in an attempt to aid the press, he often left his full-back out to dry with a lack of positional intelligence.

Competing in 19 duels, he would win only six, meaning he lost 69% of them all game.

Then, expected to spearhead their attack, he would let the fans and team down twofold.

Attempting five dribbles, he would be successful in none of them. This was mirrored in his one failed cross too.

However, with the scores at 1-1, it was his one big chance missed that truly capped off his terrible display, as his left-footed strike from close range went straight into the outstretched Jose Sa.

It is a wonder where the “fearless” youngster that Alan Shearer lauded has gone, with the winger a shell of the electric creator that initially broke into the first team.

With the pressure having cranked up on Lampard before the break, this loss will surely spark the rumour mill once more.

He may only have a string of games now to save his game if this Gordon disasterclass was not enough to see him sacked already.