Everton winless after 6 games and incredible penalty miss

Despicable, Gary Neville called it. Jamie Carragher said it was 'selfish'; Roberto Martinez's description of choice, meanwhile, was 'unfortunate'.

Whatever adjective you wanted to go for, there was no disputing the impact of Kevin Mirallas' actions in the 43rd minute of this unremarkable Barclays Premier League encounter. Putting himself ahead of his team, he has cranked up the tension and pressure on Everton's floundering campaign.

Everton versus West Bromwich Albion was never a fixture that looked like entering the vaults of football gold but it ended up producing one of the season's most controversial moments. Martinez may have tried to defuse it but do not underestimate the ramifications.

It all started when Seamus Coleman hoisted in a cross. Romelu Lukaku chested the ball down and, as it bounced up, Joleon Lescott handled. Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot, waving away the token West Brom appeals.

Usually in such circumstances, Leighton Baines steps up, picks his spot then smashes his drive unerringly into the net. This time, however, Mirallas was set on the glory, ignoring Lukaku's attempts to take the ball off him and give it to the England international.

Steven Naismith also stepped in, imploring Mirallas to 'give it to Bainesy'. He didn't. Baines had the final say, repeatedly asking Mirallas whether he was sure he wanted to take it. So he did. And he missed. And the growls and groans began sweeping around Goodison Park. This was farce. 

Everton's troubles have clearly been weighing on Martinez's shoulders, as he has looked drawn and tired in recent weeks, in desperate need of a tonic. Or – more accurately – in desperate need of three points. That gives you an idea of what was riding on this encounter.

And that puts Mirallas' miss into sharper perspective. He swept his right-footed wide of the post and even if it had been on target, Foster had dived the right way and would have got there. As the ball cannoned into the advertising hoardings, groans swept the stadium and Martinez looked bewildered.

Baines' record is 15 successful kicks from 16 and missing at Old Trafford in October clearly had no lasting impact, as the following month he successfully converted against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. In a game where there was no margin for error, this was a huge mistake.