Everton suffered defeat in their final game before Christmas as a late Sadio Mane strike secured Liverpool a 1-0 win in the Merseyside derby.

Ronald Koeman’s side looked set to keep the Reds out as the game entered added time, but Daniel Sturridge’s effort struck the post, and Mane reacted quickest to poke home into an empty net.

It was a frustrating end to what had up to then been a solid effort from Everton, who went into the match off the back of a 2-1 win over Arsenal the week before.

Nonetheless, the loss means that Koeman’s men sit ninth in the Premier League table at Christmas, ten points behind fifth place Tottenham, who currently occupy the final European place.

The Toffees have won six of their 17 league games so far, but when you consider that four of those came in their first five matches of the new season, then it certainly could have been a better first half of the campaign.

However, an improved display against Arsenal and a dogged effort against Liverpool should give the Everton fans hope going into their Boxing Day clash away at champions Leicester.

And, with Christmas on the horizon, we thought we’d take a look back at Everton’s year, and have selected their top THREE goals of 2016…

Kevin Mirallas vs Chelsea (January 16)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSmsEuhnOxU

Roberto Martinez’s Everton were a goal to the good away at the Premier League champions Chelsea before Belgian international Kevin Mirallas’ excellent strike doubled their advantage.

A good run from Ross Barkley towards the penalty area started the move, before the ball made its way out to Leighton Baines, who fired in a cross towards Mirallas.

It was slightly behind the 29-year-old, but it needn’t of mattered, as his first touch brought it back into his path, before rifling home an unstoppable strike from just inside the box.

It was a fantastic strike from a supremely talented player.

Romelu Lukaku vs Chelsea (March 12)

One of the goals of the season in the FA Cup, Romelu Lukaku reminded former employers Chelsea exactly what they were missing in their quarter-final clash back in March.

The game looked to heading towards a replay, yet the Belgian international had other ideas when he received the ball from Ross Barkley wide on the left-hand-side.

There was no immediate goal-threat, but the 23-year-old easily got the better of Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, before advancing towards the box.

When there, Lukaku turned Gary Cahill inside out before firing low past compatriot Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal.

It was a sensational goal, and Lukaku secured Everton’s passage into the last four with his second five minutes later.

Kevin Mirallas vs West Brom (August 20)

Ronald Koeman’s Everton fell behind early on to a Gareth McAuley header at the Hawthorns, but responded in the best possible fashion thanks to a fine goal from Kevin Mirallas.

The Belgian started the move by skipping past Darren Fletcher and laying it off to Gareth Barry, before the former England international’s neat first-time pass found Ross Barkley on the edge of the box.

His one-touch pass was met by the onrushing Mirallas, who brilliantly kept his composure to fire past Ben Foster.

It was a goal out of the top drawer, and one that inspired the visitors to win in the second half through Barry.