Everton rounded off a miserable December with a defeat at Brighton.

A generally poor first half saw both teams creating few chances without finding any real rhythm as Marco Silva’s side went in search of back-to-back victories.

But the Blues were undone on the hour mark when a corner caught Andre Gomes unawares and rolled into Jurgen Locadia’s path to turn and shoot.

Here were the key talking points from the Amex Stadium:

Much to ponder for Silva

 

Just before the end of the first half, Marco Silva stood pensive in his technical area for what seemed an age as he sought the works for his half-time team talk.

He never found them.

A week on from friend and compatriot Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, the Portuguese coach will be seeking solutions on how to improve Everton’s poor run of form.

Despite superior possession, shots and passing accuracy than Brighton, at no point did the game have the feel that the visitors were in control or dominant.

Only three league wins since October should be a serious concern the Blues but it is no more than their general performances deserve on the overall performances.

For a team with ambitions of catching up to those firmly established in the Premier League’s top four, it has been below par to say the least.

Ahead of the January transfer window opening, Silva will hope that answers beyond his current squad can be sought with the Everton hierarchy’s support.

‘Sigi’ is too important to miss out

 

Silva’s recent propensity to rotate Everton’s attacking players on the substitutes’ bench may have finally reached a much-needed stopping point.

Gylfi Sigurdsson only joined the fray midway through the second half, by which point he was unable to make any meaningful contribution to help turn the tide.

A five-goal rout at Burnley may have suggested the scoring problems were over, but Silva cannot afford to leave the Icelandic playmaker on the sidelines.

Sigurdsson is also currently one goal away from drawing level with Eidur Gudjohnsen as their country’s highest-scoring players in Premier League history.

In a team finding it difficult to win games, the ability of Everton’s no.10 to both score and create goals is not a commodity which should be easily discarded.

Richarlison feeling striker strain

 

Operating as a makeshift striker is starting to take its toll on Richarlison.

Everton’s current top scorer has begun to look less comfortable as the focal point in recent weeks and, at times, looked lost higher up the pitch at the Amex.

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Cenk Tosun offer a physical presence up front and hold-up play, their movement lacks the interplay with fellow attackers.

The pair’s combined tally of five goals this season, coupled with Richarlison’s struggles, might force Silva looking to the January market for viable alternatives.

Defence needs to rediscover its edge

 

No one would seriously advocate turning the clock back to Sam Allardyce’s brief reign but some aspects of that not-too-distant past might be worth revisiting.

Silva certainly has his work cut out to find the solidity in Everton’s back line that his predecessor and one-time England manager would refuse to accept.

Despite Yerry Mina’s good form, the defence appears unsure of itself and increasingly error-prone, with passes going astray and opponents finding a way through with ease.

It is not an issue of personnel but some additional work on the training ground that is required to make progress in that department this season.