Romelu Lukaku raised the hopes of Evertonians that the Blues could end a wretched run with a typically incisive cameo and ruthless finish, but Stefano Okaka’s brace either side of a powerfully-headed goal by Sebastian Prodl secured the win for Watford. Not even Lukaku’s late strike could save the day for the Blues.
It is now one win in 11 games for Everton and what had promised to be the result that would bring that sequence to an end became another disappointing afternoon for the travelling Blues faithful.
Gareth Barry wore the captain’s armband on his 609th Premier League appearance, ensuring that only Ryan Giggs has made more appearances in the 23 years of the Premier League.