UEL: Everton 1-5 Atalanta

Atalanta thrashed Everton

Bryan Cristante and Andreas Corneluis scored twice with Robin Gosens also on target as Atalanta thrashed Everton 5-1 at Goodison Park.

The thumping defeat is the latest humiliation in an abject season for Everton that seems to be getting worse with each passing week.

The Toffees were already eliminated from the competition but were seeking to salvage some pride and a first win in Group E.

The manner of this defeat is likely to hasten the board’s search for a new manager, while perhaps laying a fatal blow to caretaker boss David Unsworth’s hopes of getting the job full time.

In contrast Atalanta, cheered on by a boisterous away support, secured their place in the knockout stage as they continue to enjoy their first European campaign since 1991.

The Serie A side took the lead after just 12 minutes. Timothy Castagne burst down the right and took advantage of some slack Everton defending in the penalty area to fire in a low cross that was eventually tapped home by Cristante.

Everton did belatedly come into the game and had a great chance to equalise when Kevin Mirallas broke free, but after his initial shot was saved, Sandro Ramirez blazed the rebound well over.

Everton then went even closer when, after a fine flowing move, Tom Davies saw his shot headed off the line by Rafael Tolói.

Minutes into the second half Atalanta won a penalty when Ashley Williams fouled Cristante in the area. Alejandro Gomez stepped up but his effort was saved by Joel Robles.

It proved to be a temporary respite though as Atalanta soon doubled their advantage. Cristante escaped the attentions of Williams in the six yard box to head home Gomez’s near post corner and send the visiting fans into raptures.

Everton briefly got back into the game when Sandro Ramirez fired low into the corner for his first Everton goal. However, the Toffees collapsed late on, conceding three goals eight minutes.

First, Gosens fired home a dipping volley from 25 yards before former Cardiff striker Cornelius came off the bench to score a late double and complete an utterly miserable night for Everton.