Everton missed a glorious opportunity to move into the top half as they struggled to a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City.
Goals from Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes secured the win for the visitors, who were the better side for much of the game. A frustrating night - a Bonfire Night in which firework debris even landed on the pitch and had to be removed by Conor Coady - was made even worse by news Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye will all face scans on Monday over injury concerns.
After a disappointing night, here are some moments that may have been missed including a nice gesture by Anthony Gordon, the return of a safety drill some may be familiar with and another game in which a valuable weapon is not utilised.
MATCH VERDICT: Everton freeze under the lights as worrying summer question remains for Frank Lampard
READ MORE: Frank Lampard gives triple Everton injury update after Dominic Calvert-Lewin blow
Anthony Gordon doesn't let being dropped impact his generosity
Anthony Gordon may not have been in the starting XI, with Dwight McNeil taking his place because, Lampard later explained, he wanted to freshen up his side. Despite this, the 21-year-old appeared in good spirits as he prepared for the match and took part in the pre-game warm-up routine under the lights at Goodison Park.
As he was walking off the pitch towards the tunnel just before kick-off, Gordon was stopped by a young mascot who gestured towards his top. Gordon removed his white training jumper without hesitation and handed it over to the youngster.
Leicester thwart School of Science remake
Everton were at their best last time out at Goodison when they emphatically beat Crystal Palace 3-0. It was a performance that hinted at real progress and showcased what Lampard and his coaches are trying to do at Finch Farm. The highlight was the 'School of Science' goal that saw Gordon finish off a move in which 10 of the players were directly involved.
Brendan Rodgers had clearly taken note and Leicester pressed high right from the start - at points having three players on the edge of the box when Everton had goal kicks. Not only did this prevent the home side from playing out, it forced errors that repeatedly created opportunities for the away team.
Operation Goodison Exercise
Over about six minutes - between the 23rd and 29th minute - of the match the PA system at Goodison could be heard making announcements over the preparation, start and conclusion of 'Operation Goodison Exercise'. This is a long-standing safety drill that calls on the stewards to make sure they are in specifically-assigned positions during which the turnstiles are tested to show they are working correctly just in case an incident happens that means supporters need to leave the stadium in large numbers.
Lampard tries every change available in search of equaliser
Lampard used the full five substitutions at his disposal for only the second time this season as he tried to inspire change from the touchline. The first time he did this was in the game at Palace and only as the Blues coasted to victory. This time it was out of necessity as Everton chased what would have been a useful point.
They were all made by the 65th minute - James Garner, Neal Maupay, Nathan Patterson, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Gordon all being brought on. It later emerged three were down to injuries suffered by his players - with Calvert-Lewin, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye all set to undergo scans on Monday.
Leicester survive eight corners as Blues struggle to show dominance
Leicester have struggled to deal with set pieces for much of this year but they survived eight against Everton. Away keeper Danny Ward was handed a few free-kicks as he struggled with corners hung beneath his bar and James Tarkowski tested him in the first half, but this felt like a game in which Everton could have made the strength in the air of Calvert-Lewin, Tarkowski, Conor Coady, Onana and others count.
Instead this was another game in which Everton did not add to their only set piece goal of the season so far - Coady's at Southampton. Everton's defence of set pieces has come on remarkably under the guidance of Ashley Cole. With creativity in open play such an issue, the importance of corners cannot be underestimated.
READ NEXT:
-
Dominic Calvert-Lewin forced off as Everton handed double injury concern
-
Rate the Everton players in the 2-0 defeat to Leicester City
- What Everton will do after the World Cup as Frank Lampard outlines fitness plan
- How iconic Goodison Park feature will be incorporated into new Everton stadium
- Why Rafael Benitez wanted Everton to sell Alex Iwobi
