When things start to go wrong, the issue can sometimes be specific to an area of the pitch. On the evidence of their 4-1 defeat at Southampton on Sunday, Everton are well beyond that point, as there are problems all over the pitch that show little sign of abating.
One particular moment in the match underlined how even the basics are beyond too many of these players at present. Everton trailed 2-1 when the ball ricocheted toward their corner flag in the second half. While those in blue stood and watched, seemingly willing the ball out of play, the home side reacted.