Frank Lampard was left to rue his side's missed opportunities after Everton fell to a frustrating 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
Second-half goals from Harry Kane, via the spot, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gave Tottenham a win in a game in which Everton had repelled the hosts until the breakthrough on the hour mark.
Blues loss Lampard said the penalty changed the match but also focused on two huge first-half chances missed by the visitors. Demarai Gray and Amadou Onana both blasted over the bar after going clean through on goal, misses that later proved costly as Everton went on to lose for the second consecutive game.
JOE THOMAS: Everton setback explained in three moments as half-time fears become bitter reality
CHRIS BEESLEY: Jordan Pickford let down by VAR as cruel blow cannot overshadow Everton change
Speaking after the match, Lampard said: "In the first half [it was] really disciplined, [we] didn't give Spurs the spaces they wanted. We had two great chances and they can be the difference in these games.
"If you take one of these chances you probably don't lose tonight. There's no doubt we came out in the second half slightly off it. The penalty is the difference in the game - I thought until then everything we were doing was good."
The Blues failed to land a blow on Spurs after going behind, despite the introduction of James Garner, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon. Lampard said the gulf in quality between the teams then became clear with Spurs - who gave their hopes of progress in the Champions League a boost with a win over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek - controlling most of the final 30 minutes.
But while he pointed to the missed opportunities as being key, Lampard also acknowledged he could learn from the performance and result, adding: "If you watch Tottenham a lot, you know where their strengths are and you have to be adaptable.
"I've watched Tottenham and they're happy to defend deep in their half and have a plan to attack. They're in the Champions League and we're trying to move up the table. Maybe there are some signs for me as a coach and as a team for where we can improve."
READ NEXT:
-
Everton player ratings as James Tarkowski impressive but many others average against Tottenham
- Frank Lampard makes new Everton stadium 'progress' claim and Goodison Park admission
-
‘Write what you want’ - Everton horror show prompted furious on-pitch Howard Kendall blast
-
Frank Lampard responds after Richarlison aims Everton 'lack of ambition' dig
