Frank Lampard is no closer to finding out if Everton have the cojones for a relegation battle – although this defeat will hurt like a kick in the codpiece.
The Toffees manager had questioned his players' fortitude in adversity after last month's FA Cup surrender at Crystal Palace. In fairness, this was their most committed away performance on Lampard's watch - but it still wasn't enough to beat West Ham when they were on autopilot ahead of Thursday night's Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.
Briefly, Mason Holgate's equaliser gave Lampard hope that the tide might be turning in his old stamping ground. But in the land of pie and mash, Everton could only come up with shortcrust – and no gravy. They conceded a poor second goal when they were on top, and Michael Keane's red card sealed the Toffees' fate.
