Ben Gibson insisted there was nothing sweet about his first Premier League appearance for Burnley despite marking the long-awaited game with a goal.
Gibson joined the Clarets from Middlesbrough in the summer and made two Europa League appearances before a hernia problem sidelined him and eventually required two operations to fix.
The defender finally made a Premier League appearance on Boxing Day against Everton but it was a horror show for the hosts, who conceded three times inside 22 minutes and went on to lose 5-1.
Gibson's goal shortly before half-time gave Burnley hope but Lucas Digne and Richarlison made sure of the points for Everton.
Asked if it was a bittersweet afternoon, Gibson said: "Just definitely bitter to be honest with you, a goal doesn't really change anything.
"We're just disappointed with the performance, the result, one that we're really not happy with. We're in a position where we have to pick up wins and points and move forward quickly. It's not a day I'll remember too fondly.
"Three goals in 20 minutes, you can't give teams like that, of this quality, in this league, that type of head-start. We've got to go away and analyse it, learn and make sure that we are better at the weekend.
"It's a fantastic opportunity to get three points and it's one that we have to take."
Sean Dyche stuck with three centre-backs, drafting Gibson in alongside Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, and the 25-year-old had some good moments individually, but as a whole the defence was well short of what was required.
Gibson is hoping to keep his place for Sunday's home clash with West Ham, which has taken on even greater significance after Wednesday.
He said: "That's the aim. But it's not about me or individuals, it's about getting the club up the table and that starts with getting a result this weekend.
"It's been a tough start being injured for quite a while. It's not the start that anybody wants and I've been itching to get out there. I just want to help make an impact at the club and with the team."
Michael Keane's first return to Burnley with Everton last season ended in defeat but this was a much happier occasion for the Toffees defender.
He spared a thought for his former club and team-mates, though, and backed them to turn their form around,
"It's not what Burnley are about but it happens to everyone," said Keane. "It happened to us last week, it's just football. I'm sure they'll bounce back and I hope they do. It's a fantastic club with great people here and they've got the quality. I'm sure they'll get back to what they're good at."
Everton arrived at Turf Moor without a win in five games and on the back of a 6-2 hammering by Tottenham.
Manager Marco Silva opted for a back five, with Keane joining Yerry Mina and Kurt Zouma. All three have played in various combinations this season but this was only the second time they have played together.
Keane said: "It's nice to be settled in a back three or back four but, when you've got top quality like we have and the competition, it's what you expect. I think that's something you've got to get used to, you've got to be able to adapt to playing with different players and I'm doing that."
