Everton crashed out of the Carabao Cup as they suffered a humbling 4-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth in the third round of the competition.
Demarai Gray’s consolation goal was about as good as it got for the Toffees in a sobering night on the south coast.
Everton fell behind after just seven minutes when Jamal Lowe’s deflected shot looped over goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and went in via the underside of the crossbar.
The Blues had chances to equalise, with Tom Davies blazing over when set through on goal before James Garner had a shot tipped over the bar.
Frank Lampard’s side couldn’t have started the second half any worse when they conceded again just two minutes after the restart. Bournemouth profited from a Mason Holgate slip, with Junior Stanislas finishing at the back post.
Everton got back into the tie in the 67th minute when substitute Gray curled home a superb finish from the edge of the area.
But Bournemouth would soon pile embarrassment on Everton as Emeliano Marcondes and Jaidon Anthony dumped the visitors out of the competition.
Here’s how we rated the Everton players.
Everton fell behind after just seven minutes when Jamal Lowe’s deflected shot looped over goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and went in via the underside of the crossbar.
5. Nathan Patterson - 5
Had a fine first half, showing tenacity with a few driving runs. Couldn’t keep that up in the second half, though, and lost the ball for Everton’s fourth. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
6. James Garner - 6
Tried to get things going in the first half and had one effort tipped over. However, Garner didn’t look like he fully committed himself when Lowe’s shot deflected off him for the opener. Withdrawn in the 52nd minute probably with a view to the weekend. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
7. Tom Davies - 3
Blazed over a glorious chance to equalise as he lacked composure in the first half. Struggled in the second half and looked to be caught ball-watching for Bournemouth’s third. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
8. Abdoulaye Doucoure - 4
Slipped in Davies with a perfect through ball but not much else apart from that in the first half. Not much to note in the second period before being subbed in the 81st minute. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images