Frank Lampard said it was "clear" Everton's performance at Bournemouth was not good enough and failing to own up to that would be to "b*******" the fans.
The Blues fell to a humiliating defeat on the south coast, capitulating to a second string home side and forcing the travelling supporters to endure a 4-1 loss. Lampard made 11 changes to Everton's starting line-up but was adamant his side should have been capable of producing a better display at the Vitality Stadium.
Asked what his message to those who had filled the away end he said there was no doubt his side should have done better. He said: "That is as clear as day and I think the fans saw that. I don't need to b******** them."
AS IT HAPPENED: Bournemouth v Everton Blog
VERDICT: What Bournemouth fans chanted during Everton win should embarrass players and Frank Lampard
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Everton's night started poorly and got progressively worse. The hosts took an early lead when Jamal Lowe's deflected shot looped over Asmir Begovic but the Blues responded well to going behind. Tom Davies and Anthony Gordon each missed glorious opportunities and, while the intensity dropped towards the end of the first half, Everton looked capable of causing their opponents problems.
That hope faded quickly in the second half after a slip from Mason Holgate allowed Ryan Christie to cross for Lowe, whose shot fell to Junior Stanislas at the back post. Bournemouth looked more likely to score next despite a series of changes by Lampard but one of his substitutions, Demarai Gray, provided a way back into the game when he curled in from the edge of the area. Everton were dismantled as they sought an equaliser though, Emiliano Marcondes and Jaidon Anthony punishing them and sparking chants of 'we want five' from the home fans.
After the match, the ECHO asked Lampard what he had to say to the travelling supporters following the display. He said: "The fans have travelled down and had to endure a poor performance there is no doubt. When they spend their money, spend their time and come to support and the players perform as they did then we have to hold our hands up to that extent and say it is not good enough. In terms of the setup of the game I made changes because I have got to protect players that have either got niggles now, which we know a few have got, or are playing again and have the turnaround and a really important league game for us on Saturday. But I also made changes because some players knock on your door to want to play regularly when they are not playing, some players train well and actually make a case for playing and you put them in because they play for Everton and they should be able to come to Bournemouth when they make changes and compete and in my opinion win the game. Without even going into the nitty gritty details of it they should be able to win because there is a lot of experience in that team and they didn't do that. That is as clear as day and I think the fans saw that. I don't need to b******* them."
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