Everton forward Beto has come in for more criticism after failing to find the net against Manchester City.
David Moyes has chopped and changed his leading striker in Everton’s attack this season.
Beto and summer signing Thierno Barry have been unable to nail down the position, though it was Beto who started against Manchester City on Saturday.
Everton fans were left frustrated by Beto as the Guinea-Bissau international failed to convert Iliman Ndiaye’s pass from close range.
Beto could only land a toe on the ball, diverting his effort wide of the post with the goal at his mercy.
Beto of Everton is greeted by manager David Moyes
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
James Tarkowski shares verdict on Everton’s Beto
Beto is always a willing runner in attack, but his streaky nature in front of goal means his long-term role is unclear.
If Everton want to really progress under Moyes, then a consistent goalscorer will be needed.
Beto has yet to prove that he can be that player, and Saturday’s display was another frustrating one.
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Everton defender James Tarkowski has thrown his backing behind Beto, though, praising the striker for his work ethic.
Tarkowski told Everton’s official website that Beto is working ‘very, very hard’ to improve and believes that won’t change.
Tarkowski added that the goals ‘will come soon’ for Beto, hailing his movement for his big change against City as ‘brilliant’.
“I’ve just seen it back, to be fair,” said Tarkowski.
“[Beto’s] movement is brilliant to get away from the defender; he just got a toe, but just couldn’t get close enough to it.
“So he’s working very, very hard, Beto. He always has done and he always will, so he’s trying his best for us and I’m sure the goals will come soon,” he added.
Beto fighting to prove himself at Everton
Beto was a patchy goalscorer at Udinese, so it’s little surprise to see him continue in that manner at Everton.
A purple patch earlier in 2025 left Everton fans hoping that Beto had really clicked under Moyes, but that form has not been taken into this season.
Everton may consider signing another striker, having accepted that Barry needs time to develop.
That gives Beto a window of opportunity to prove himself as a striker Everton can rely on beyond January.
Beto turns 28 soon, and perhaps this is just who he is: a striker who can chip in with goals, but will infuriate fans for large spells.
Barry does not appear to be ready to offer serious competition, though, and that means Beto must make the most of his chances in the starting XI.