GARY Megson used the `R' word for the first time as Bolton slipped to new depths.

The Bolton boss normally refuses to link Wanderers' unhealthy league position against the possible loss of their Premier League status.

But he didn't shy away from that possibilty after supposedly leg-weary Everton ran his team ragged.

"It looked as though some of the players were doing us a favour by being out there. We were just awful," he blasted.

"If we play like that again we will be relegated, make no mistake. We were poor from the first minute right through to the 90th," added Megson.

Escape

"Not once in the past have I come off and said we haven't competed or given everything. That wasn't the case today.

"It was as bad as I've seen for a long time, regardless of it being Bolton or anyone else."

And Gary Cahill, one of the few to escape criticism from this appalling performance, was equally candid.

"Simply not good enough," said the former Villa defender, again overlooked by Fabio Capello for a senior international call-up.

"The players out there are capable of producing a lot more than they showed. We all need to look at ourselves and ask whether that was acceptable. We were still on the coach.

"We seem to get going with a good result against Spurs and then just fall back into a relaxed mode.

"We can't get a decent run of results going. Credit to Everton, they were brilliant. We thought they might be tired but it looked as though it was us who had played extra time the other night.

Massive

"There are no excuses. We've got two home games coming up which are going to be massive now. We have to go about those games in a different manner - we have to."

Everton kicked-off after playing Liverpool three times, Arsenal and United in their last five matches but it soon became apparent Bolton were the only team drained and listless.

Tim Cahill fluffed a sitter from two yards, Phil Jagielka hit the crossbar, Jo dragged a one-on-one against Jussi Jaaskelainen off target, Cahill made an outstanding block, and Joleon Lescott fired wide all before Everton took the lead.

City flop Jo made a meal of Andy O'Brien's tackle but it was a clear penalty.

Outstanding Mikel Arteta converted the spot-kick before Jo, with the help of a fortunate bounce off Cahill's chest, smashed in a great second goal after 48 minutes.

With Arteta off the field, Jo accepted responsibility and scored the stoppage-time penalty, awarded against Mark Davies for handball.Tim Howard made just one save from Matty Taylor in retaliation.

Jussi Jaaskelainen is likely to turn down a chance to play for Finland against Portugal to stay with Wanderers.

Ricardo Gardner missed the Everton game with a knee injury to join Johan Elmander, Nicky Hunt, Tamir Cohen, Gavin McCann and Joey O'Brien on the crocked list.

BOLTON: Jaaskelainen 5, A. O'Brien 5, Cahill 7, Puygrenier 5 (Basham 60), Samuel 6, Steinsson 5, Muamba 6 (Smolarek 60), M. Davies 5, Taylor 6, K.Davies 5, Makakula 4.



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