Friday 24 November 2017 05:41, UK
Everton's disastrous Europa League campaign reached a new low as Atalanta secured a thumping 5-1 win at Goodison Park.
Bryan Cristante broke the deadlock (12) before Joel Robles saved a penalty from Alejandro Gomez, but Cristante headed the Italians further in front (63) at the near post.
Sandro Ramirez reduced the deficit with a fierce low drive into the corner (71) but Everton fell apart in the closing stages as substitute Robin Gosens volleyed in Atalanta's third (86).
Former Cardiff City striker Andreas Cornelius helped himself to a double (88 and 94) as the Blues conceded three in the final seven minutes.
David Unsworth opted to make nine changes to the side that drew 2-2 at Crystal Palace, but he was left with the same sinking feeling in the opening quarter of an hour as Timothy Castagne got in behind Cuco Martina to cross for Cristante to tap into the empty net.
Everton recovered to carve out two very good chances before the interval as Etrit Berisha saved Kevin Mirallas' shot, only for Sandro to fire the rebound horribly over the crossbar.
Tom Davies came a lot closer to restoring parity as his shot was superbly cleared off the line by Rafael Toloi after good work down the left by Martina.
But Atalanta regained control upon the start of the second half and they were presented with the chance to double their lead from the penalty spot after Ashley Williams was adjudged to have fouled Andrea Petagna.
Gomez stepped up to take the spot-kick but Robles produced an excellent save low down to his right before recovering quick to keep out the rebound from the Argentine.
The hosts made the most of their reprieve as Sandro halved the deficit with 18 minutes remaining, sweeping in Mirallas' cross - but any hope of a turnaround was ended by Gosen's superb volley.
Gomez's corner was cleared to the edge of the box by Williams, and the substitute opened his body and launched a thunderous left-foot shot which flew in off Robles' far post.
With the game over as a contest, Atalanta turned the screw in the closing stages, and had a fourth goal just 68 seconds later as fellow substitute Cornelius cut inside Warren Feeney to fire under the body of Robles.
There was still time for the Denmark striker to rise above the hapless Williams to head home a fifth with virtually the last kick of the game on another chastening night for Everton.
David Unsworth: "The goals we're conceding are really poor defensive goals. It's a team effort, we've said that from the start. Tonight was not acceptable."
"Those players who've been moaning or asking for opportunities were given that tonight. I stressed beforehand we must compete for the paying fans and the way we capitulated at the end was not acceptable."
"When we look at individuals and combinations of defenders, we just seem to be conceding really easy goals. Teams aren't having to work hard or score wonder goals."
"The players are a little fragile at the moment so we have to be careful. I've learned a few things about a few players tonight."
Everton travel to face Southampton at St Mary's as part of Super Sunday this weekend while Atalanta return to Serie A action at home to Benevento, who are bottom of the league without a point from their 13 games.
