Everton lost at the Vitality Stadium for the second time in five days after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Goals from Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore and Jaidon Anthony secured a Cherries victory without reply on the south-coast, compounding the misery on Frank Lampard's side after their 4-1 midweek Carabao Cup thumping at the same ground.
The Toffees failed to find the net for the third consecutive league game, managing just three shots on target, but will have felt somewhat aggrieved to see several decisions go against them.
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Bournemouth's second goal - headed in from close range by Moore - came as James Tarkowski lay on the ground with what looked to be a head injury. Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook, meanwhile, was fortunate not to see red for a late, two-footed challenge on Amadou Onana. The ECHO understands that VAR considered the challenge reckless but not serious foul play, and therefore not worthy of a straight red card.
But Everton cannot lay the entire blame on the officials, with Jordan Pickford spilling a Dominic Solanke shot into the path of Tavernier for the opener while some abysmal marking from a set-piece allowed Anthony to net Bournemouth's third with 20 minutes to go.
Despite dominating possession, a lack of incisive passing and creativity left the Toffees toothless once again.
Bournemouth leapfrogged their opponents in the table and results elsewhere leave Everton fourth-bottom with just a point separating them and Nottingham Forest in third-bottom.
You can read Chris Beesley's player ratings for the 3-0 loss by clicking HERE. But we want your ratings - and you can do so by using the widget below:
Everton do not return to action until Boxing Day, after the World Cup finishes, when they welcome Wolves to Goodison Park.
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