Bruce: We were nowhere near our best

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Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini scored one and had a hand in three others with Jo netting twice and Leon Osman completing the rout.

Bruce said: "We got our backsides kicked by a very good Everton side. I can make excuses that we had several players on planes for 24 hours coming back from halfway around the world, and jet-lagged. But it is right to say 'well done' to a very good Everton side who we could not cope with."

He added: "They gave us a going over. Defensively we have been very good for the last few months, but we were nowhere near our best.

"Whatever we did it was too easy for Everton, all game. That is not like us because we pride ourselves in being difficult to beat but this time we were sadly lacking.

"I hope this type of performance is now not going to be the norm, because we still have a lot to play for. I will make sure we will be ready for it, after such a good season we do not want it to slip away now."