Everton started their Europa League campaign with a defeat as they fell 3-0 away to Atalanta.

Ronald Koeman’s side found themselves a goal down after 27 minutes when Andrea Masiello tucked home a corner following lacklustre defensive work.

They were soon further behind when Alejandro Gomez curled a superb solo strike into Maarten Stekelenburg’s top corner shortly before half time.

The hosts would make it three before the interval when Bryan Cristante took advantage of more poor defending on the break and consign the Blues to defeat.

Here were the key talking points from Sassuolo:

Is Koeman losing the dressing room?

 

The talk emanating from the Everton camp leading up to this game had followed a consistent line; a big performance was needed in this game.

Indeed, Ronald Koeman had challenged his player’s mentality following last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham and demanding a reaction against Atalanta.

It seems those words were empty in the extreme because his squad were certainly not listening.

As poor performances go, this ranks among the worst the Blues have produced under Koeman.

Evertonians witnessed their players throwing the towel in at the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure and there were worrying signs of history could repeat itself.

Stubbornness hurting the Blues

 

Koeman was unwilling to criticise his players for this defeat, instead choosing to lay the blame rests solely on his shoulders.

In some regards, he is correct.

But a stubborn refusal to change ended up costing Koeman’s predecessor his job at Goodison Park and, at this rate, it could end up costing him as well.

After the drubbing by Tottenham, it seemed a ridiculous notion that the Dutchman would stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation which had failed his side.

He did, though, and it ended up costing them dearly. Just like in the 3-0 defeat, Everton’s players appeared lost in the system they were supposed to be playing.

An abundance of central players, including Wayne Rooney, has forced Koeman into using such a formation but it is clearly one that doesn’t work.

Zero case for the defence

 

Everton’s failure to sign a striker this summer has dominated the headlines, but there appear to be bigger issues elsewhere, especially in defence.

After going a goal down, their back line simply gave in as it wilted under a sustained spell of pressure from the home side.

That trend is becoming worrying, having previously been guilty of doing similar in the recent, back-to-back defeats against Spurs and Chelsea.

Conceding goals is a fact of life for every team but the manner in which Everton are shipping them, with six in their preivous two games, is a grave concern.

Besic doesn’t merit a starting role

 

Everton are not short of central midfield options in this current squad, which makes it baffling that Muhamed Besic has been promoted to a starring role.

He is yet to convince in a royal blue shirt and this performance was as poor as they have come from the Bosnia international.

Poor passing, positional play and defensive work meant his side continually lost the midfield battle and allowed Atalanta to enjoy mounting attack upon attack.

Besic is nowhere near good enough to be a starter and Tom Davies much be scratching his head and wondering what exactly he may have done wrong.

On the evidence provided, the home-grown teenager is streets ahead of his under-performing teammate in all aspects.