Everton brought a run of four straight Premier League victories to an end on New Year's Day after suffering defeat at the hands of West Ham United.
A goal from Tomas Soucek in the second half was enough for David Moyes' side to seal all three points on what was a frustrating evening for the Blues.
Carlo Ancelotti's players had the chance to move within touching distance of league leaders Liverpool with a win, but never looked like threatening the visiting goal enough to secure that aim.
Here's how the national media reacted to what was a disappointing night for Everton.
'Everton faced a taste of what they had dished out'
Ian Herbert of The Daily Mail - "Ancelotti has been given resources beyond anything Moyes ever knew in his time here – ‘an awful of money; the owners certainly back their managers,’ as Moyes put it earlier this week – yet even the returning Richarlison could not create a threat against an impressively organised visiting team.
"In their successive wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester last month, Everton could just sit back and counterpunch, though when the moment came for them to attack and dominate a game, Ancelotti’s side faced a taste of what they had dished out.
"Tom Davies attempted to break the defensive lines from deep for Everton and Richarlison briefly threatened to escape down the right, lifting the ball over Aaron Cresswell and haring after it, but West Ham had every situation covered."
'Everton couldn't find inspiration without fans'
Andy Hunter of The Guardian - "Though small, the attendances had played a big part in Everton’s rise up the table and their absence was reflected in a subdued performance.
"Everton’s players could not find inspiration from within. Ancelotti recalled Richarlison following the Brazilian’s concussion against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and must have wondered why he bothered. Richarlison was woeful.
"James Rodríguez also returned as a substitute after missing the past five matches with a calf problem but could not improve a flat attacking display either. So much for the benefit of extra rest after the City postponement."
'No excuses for an anaemic Everton display'
Paul Joyce of The Times - "Given that they had extra time to prepare after the contentious postponement of Monday’s game against Manchester City, there can be no excuses for an anaemic display against a West Ham side playing their third match in six days.
"Even before this result Carlo Ancelotti had started playing down his own hopes of a top-four finish despite the fact that Everton could have closed to within a point of the leaders Liverpool with a win. Little that transpired here suggested he has been indulging in mind games.
"The Everton manager could not profess to have been totally surprised by the outcome. Recent displays have lacked the sparkle of early-season performances, when Everton looked capable of scoring with every attack."
'Performance exposed hesitancy in embracing lofty declarations'
Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph - "Everton remain indecisive whenever there is a threat of them being described as title challengers.
"This performance exposed their hesitancy in embracing lofty declarations as they still give the impression they are more capable of taking significant steps forward rather than mighty strides.
"Ancelotti remains clear-headed amid the insanity of fluctuating moods, seeing his side’s current position as the foundation for more realistic objectives than grounds for premature predictions of title glory."
