Everton's away form has already exposed major transfer need to Frank Lampard

From an Everton perspective, the early stages of the team's clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday felt like a circus tent high-wire act.

One where the acrobat had donned slippers, opted against wearing a harness and ignored warnings of imminent inclement weather.

The initial stages were gripping at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and supporters may have been lured in to thinking the aggressive pressing tactic deployed by Frank Lampard might just work, as the Toffees started well.

But that simmering hope was underscored by a sense of trepidation. There was a feeling things could unravel at any second.

For Everton, they did so spectacularly, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min eventually finding a way to run riot. In the end, the 5-0 reverse flattered the Blues.

The result has understandably prompted questions about the defensive structure at Everton and changes to the back four are surely inevitable against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

But any difficult introspection should include a look at the base of midfield too.

Allan has been the man tasked with shielding the Everton defensive line since Lampard took charge. It would be fair to say the results have been mixed.

The Brazilian has thrived in the home games against Leeds United and Manchester City, when the raucous backdrop of Goodison Park seems to invigorate his off-the-ball endeavours and add an edginess to the visitors in possession. When home-team hostility and away-team hesitancy both build, Allan can be a belligerent force.

Yet on the road, the former Napoli man has struggled to reach the same levels, like so many of his team-mates.

Although he's almost exclusively played as the deepest man in midfield since arriving at Everton, there's a general