Everton raised the curtain to their 2022-23 Premier League season with a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Goodison Park.
The Toffees displayed heart and endeavour but ultimately rued having no senior striker available with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured and Salomon Rondon suspened.
Everton suffered a huge blow when Ben Godfrey was forced off injured in the 18th minute after he received lengthy treatment.
But the Toffees should have been ahead two minutes later when Demarai Gray whipped in a cross for Anthony Gordon - but he failed to get his head on the ball.
Chelsea started to get on the front foot before they were given a golden chance to equalise when Abdoulaye Doucoure brought Ben Chilwell down in the box.
Deep into stoppage-time, Jorginho stepped up and put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot.
Gray almost profited from a defensive mix-up moments into the second half but saw his shot blocked by Chelsea defender Thiago Silva.
Then Doucoure almost atoned for his error but was repelled by visiting keeper Edourd Mendy.
And there would be no way back for Everton as they lacked ideas in the final third.
Here’s how the Blues players rated.
Everton suffered a huge blow when Ben Godfrey was forced off injured in the 18th minute after he received lengthy treatment.
5. Nathan Patterson - 6
Started with plenty of energy but then became a little overzealous towards the end of the first half. Perked up again attacking-wise after the break for a spell, with one piercing run presenting Dele with a big chance. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
6. Abdoulaye Doucoure - 5
Had some decent moments but stupidly brought down Chilwell. Forced a good save out of Mendy in the second half. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
7. Alex Iwobi - 6.5
Played some incisive passes in the first half and looked comfortable. Couldn’t get as involved in the second period as Everton went more direct. Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images
8. Vitalii Mykolenko - 6
Put in a whipped first-half cross that Tarkowski nearly opened the scoring from. Crashed an effort well wide in the second half then was forced to move into central defence after Mina’s injury and made a huge block to deny Sterling. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images