Everton crashed to a 3-2 defeat against Brighton as pressure mounted on boss Rafael Benitez. His side were booed off at Goodison Park after their dismal run extended to just one win in their last 12 league games.
Everton sit eight points above the relegation zone and Benitez will know results must improve quickly if he is to avoid increased talk of the sack.
The Toffees looked out of sorts in their return to action after more than two weeks of inactivity due to corona virus postponements.
Brighton made the perfect start with a third-minute opener as Joel Veltman’s cross was nodded on by Neal Maupay for Alexis Mac Allister to net with a clinical volley.
Dan Burn doubled Albion’s lead with a header after Everton were caught flat-footed by Mac Allister’s 21st-minute corner.
Just when Benitez thought things could not get any worse, Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a 25th-minute penalty.
The spot-kick was awarded after VAR recommended referee John Brooks took another look at Enock Mwepu’s challenge on Anthony Gordon.
But Calvert-Lewin, making his first appearance since August after a thigh injury, smashed the penalty high over the bar.
Gordon gave Everton hope when his shot deflected in off Adam Lallana after 53 minutes.
Mac Allister lashed home from 25 yards with 20 minutes to go before Gordon’s close-range finish reduced the deficit again six minutes later.
“I don’t like to make excuses. The goals we conceded is the lack of focus in the first minute and then after you play under pressure. You could see the reaction was there but it is not enough because you still make mistakes," Benitez said.
“I’m concerned that we have to improve, especially in defence. The team pushes and works hard and tries but we are lacking a little quality in the decisions."
Leeds boosted their survival bid with a 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Burnley at Elland Road, but the result was marred after Clarets defender Matt Lowton was hit by a bottle thrown from the crowd.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men had lost their last three games, conceding 14 goals in the process.
Jack Harrison fired Leeds ahead on 39 minutes with a powerful finish after his initial effort was saved by Wayne Hennessey.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)