'A lack of character, guts and strength of mind'

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Joe asked: Hi Phil, before the Bournemouth game I was not too concerned for Everton. We don't have squad depth but our best XI is a lower mid-table team, so won't get relegated. However, outside of that XI is a very poor side which will get relegated. Before Saturday, I believed that when we get ahead we can see out games and when we get players back we'll be fine. I've lost all confidence in Everton since Saturday. What is going wrong now at Goodison?

Phil replied: Hello, Joe. I tipped Everton to finish 12th and that looks very generous on what we have seen so far.

I was actually more disturbed by what happened on Saturday than by, say, the 4-0 loss at Spurs.

This can happen when you play superior sides but to control a game for 87 minutes then collapse completely in the manner Everton did merely because the Cherries pulled a goal back hints at something rotten in the team, a lack of character, guts and strength of mind – as well as all the playing flaws.

Bournemouth’s winner came right at the end but Everton keeper Jordan Pickford had already had to make two fine saves at 2-2. It was totally calamitous from Everton and a serious worry.