Everton were beaten 3-0 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday as David Moyes' striker problems were laid bare once again.
Blunt Everton attack leaves Moyes frustrated
It was a sobering afternoon for David Moyes' side, who lost in the league for the first time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite having plenty of chances to get back into the game.
Speaking after the match, Moyes said that Everton didn't deserve to be on the end of a 3-0 defeat, but accepted that improvements are needed in certain areas.
"I don't think that we deserved to lose 3-0 but if you don't defend set pieces well enough, then you're always liable to lose the game. It's not something that's been a big problem with us but it was today, whether that was because of the quality Spurs had or whether it was down to how poor we were defending it, then that could be argued.
"Some good things and, obviously, I'm annoyed because we don't defend our set pieces as poorly as that normally, so we'll need to try to improve on it. We've been pretty good at it. Overall, the play was good enough to earn more than we did today, we've just got to try to tighten up and finish off some of the good play and the chances we have."
Everton's goal threat has been lacking all season, with another blank coming their way on Sunday, and one attacking player is really struggling at the moment.
Beto criticised as Blues striker without a goal since August
According to Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers for Everton News, Beto was on the receiving end of some criticism from one Everton fan after the Spurs defeat.
He claims he overheard one supporter "describe Beto as that riderless horse in the Grand National that keeps going even though he’s never going to win the race," in a brutal assessment of the striker.
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Myers adds that "maybe that’s a bit harsh, but as I’ve said often his endeavor and hard work cannot be criticised but as a striker, you will be judged on goals and he just isn’t scoring enough of them", with the 27-year-old labelled "absolutely hopeless" by Toffees podcaster Paul Brown.
Beto arguably needs to be taken out of the firing line at this point, with the striker's effort levels strong, but his quality simply not there week in, week out.
The Portuguese target man has still only scored once in the Premier League in nine appearances so far this season, but the issue for Moyes is that outside of an inexperienced Thierno Barry, he doesn't really have anyone else to turn to.
Whether The Friedkin Group back the manager with a new number nine in January may well determine the success of their season.