Rasulo read the riot act by Robbo

The 20-year-old was brought on against the Premier League side when Ben Reeves hobbled off after 22 minutes. And he was on the scoresheet nine minutes later, firing a rocket past keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to pull one back for the home side.

But his celebrations were cut short as he was given a rollicking from his manager.

“Giorgio doesn’t work hard enough,” Robinson said. “I saw him chase someone but he wasn’t going eyeballs out. He should be running his so-and-sos off for this club. And when I have the talent Giorgio has, I have to support it.

“But if he wants to be a footballer, there are other elements of the game he has to improve. I just have to get the appetite and desire out of him.

“He’s a great kid. He’ll be a very good footballer.

“But I won’t apologise for being ruthless for the club.”

Dons were trailing after just two minutes when Paul Downing’s back pass left a lot for David Martin to do, but he was easily rounded by striker Gerard Deulofeu to roll home the simplest of finishes.

Everton doubled their lead after 20 minutes with Deulofeu again at the heart of it, out-pacing Joe Walsh to pick out an unmarked Ross Barkley to put home the second.

Rasulo’s strike reduced the deficit before Muhamad Besic made it 3-1 six minutes from time.

Despite the scoreline, Robinson was pleased with his side’s performance.

He said: “If you take the first 10 minutes away, we looked very good. We looked productive, quick with Potter, Samir Carruthers and Ed Upson in there, Daniel Powell looked a threat.

“In context, we’re playing against a Premier League team here. This is their full squad, probably aside from Lukaku. They’re a top, top team. There are of course elements we could point our fingers at something, but athletically we looked good, and physically we’re nearly there. Certain aspects were good tonight, some were horrific, and some need working on.

“But I’m really happy with the starting 10 or 11. Now we’ve got to support them and we’ve got to find players, which is what our attention is fully focussed on.”