Lampard invokes Anthony Gordon debate when suggesting Everton players should go down easier

Frank Lampard bemoaned the non-awarding of a Richarlison penalty in a key passage of play, and provided mixed news on the injury front.

Everton missed the chance to secure their Premier League survival with a crushing 3-2 home defeat to Brentford. The Toffees hit the ground running, taking the lead through Dominic Calvert-Lewin inside 10 minutes.

But Jarrad Branthwaite’s red card when felling Ivan Toney as the last man gave them a mountain to climb.

That particular decision riled the Everton players who felt aggrieved at the non-awarding of a penalty barely 10 seconds prior. However, VAR deemed the blatant shirt pull on Richarlison not enough to warrant a penalty with Branthwaite’s red card standing.

Still, the Toffees fought hard and re-took the lead through Richarlison after Yoane Wissa’s cross had earlier deflected in off Seamus Coleman.

But the pressure began to tell after the break and Everton twice let their runners go and were duly punished by Wissa and Rico Henry.

MATCH REPORT: Everton implode with own goal, two red cards helping Brentford heighten their relegation fears

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Lampard said: “Disappointing. The start was great, we could have scored three. The red card changes the game completely.

“It was as critical as can be. We had complete control.”

On the controversial 10-second passage of play involving Richarlison’s penalty appeal, Lampard invoked the Anthony Gordon debate.

Gordon was roundly criticised for going to ground too easily in the Merseyside derby last month. However, following the non-awarding of a penalty after Richarlison stayed on his feet today, Lampard hinted players are right to take a tumble when required.

“There was a possible penalty in the build-up for a