Everton never cease to amaze with their ability to turn a position of control into an agonising setback. This last gasp 2-1 defeat at Burnley was a familiar story draped in a new setting. From the messy opening goal to the belated recovery and unrewarded dominance preceding the inevitable reality check, there was a painful predictability to this late loss. Ronald Koeman's team did not deserve to lose but had only themselves to blame for doing so.
That Burnley match-winner Scott Arfield should have received a red card long before his decisive strike only added insult to this morale-sapping result.
Positives
The nature and frequency of these types of defeats leads to questions over the mentality and attitude of certain players. Yet in a squad short on leaders, Idrissa Gueye, Gareth Barry and Ashley Williams are rare exceptions, three players who turn up each week and rarely shy away from their responsibilities.
As Koeman attempts to mend a disjointed team prone to self-destruction and an infuriating lack of consistency from one match to the next, the Everton manager would do well to use these three players as examples to underperforming teammates.
Negatives
A team so committed and focused against Manchester City allowed Burnley to score two goals from their only two meaningful attacks of the match. As the defence softened at one end, those in the final third continue to carry all the cutting edge of a blunt knife.
Despite dominating possession throughout and pinning the hosts almost exclusively in their own half after the interval, Everton could not turn territorial advantage and promising openings into clear-cut chances. It was another team performance full of nearly moments, particularly in the attacking third.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- This proved a rare misfire for Koeman. His decision to substitute Gueye was a puzzling one. There was also a case for bolder and faster substitutions, especially as an extra attacking player only arrived once Burnley had retaken the lead in the final minutes. There is work to do with several players out of form.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Maarten Stekelenburg, 5 -- His last two matches underline the fickle nature of goalkeeping. Not the only player at fault for the Burnley opener but he will know he should have done better.
DF Seamus Coleman, 4 -- Erratic decision-making almost led to a red card after clattering into Stephen Ward in the second half. This was a ragged showing from a right-back currently a shadow of his best.
DF Phil Jagielka, 4 -- Failed to deliver the solid outing needed to move on from his rash tackling at the Etihad last time out. Careless in the extreme in possession, the Everton captain inadvertently became a useful attacking option for Burnley.
DF Ashley Williams, 6 -- Caught out of position for the opening goal but strong in the air against a direct and physical Burnley attack. Comfortably the best player in a shaky defence.
DF Bryan Oviedo, 5 -- Lack of width in midfield meant full-backs had to provide an attacking outlet, a task Oviedo never really got to grips with. Defensive play remains suspect.
MF Idrissa Gueye, 8 -- Undeterred by receiving a perplexing booking in the first half, the Everton midfielder worked tirelessly, seemingly linking defence and attack almost single-handedly at times. His well-timed tackle started the move from which Bolasie scored.
MF Gareth Barry, 7 -- An excellent through-ball in each half reaffirmed his passing ability, with the second leading to the Everton equaliser. Midfield veteran dropped just below his usual exemplary standards but never stopped trying to influence the game.
MF Yannick Bolasie, 7 -- The mercurial winger took his goal superbly, his first for the club, and was the only one of the three attacking midfielders to trouble the Burnley defence. Not everything worked but the goal was reward for his perseverance.
MF Ross Barkley, 5 -- Another disappointing display on his 150th Everton appearance. Too often slowed play down, taking unneeded touches, which only added to frustration as his better moments came when he was more purposeful on the ball.
MF Kevin Mirallas, 5 -- Just cannot seem to contribute to matches in the manner he once did. Tendency to drift in from his starting position on the left benefits neither team nor player.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 -- Dropped too deep on occasions, leaving Everton without a target in the penalty area, but created a game-high five chances and was one of the better performers in the second half.
Substitutes
MF Gerard Deulofeu, NR -- Offered width to a narrow midfield but none of his six attempted crosses found a teammate and his 15-minute cameo had little impact.
MF Tom Cleverley, NR -- Oddly chosen to replace Gueye for the final 10 minutes.
FW Enner Valencia, NR -- Joined the action in injury time and touched the ball once.