Everton have been struggling for goals under David Moyes so far this season – but the Scot may opt for a daring tactical change by introducing both goal-shy Thierno Barry and Beto into his starting lineup vs Bournemouth.
Everton have only scored 14 goals in 13 Premier League games this season, marking a real lack of proficiency in front of goal under David Moyes – including just eight on Hill Dickinson soil.
Thierno Barry has yet to register even a shot on target in the top-flight this season from 11 attempts, whilst Beto only has one goal, coming in the 3-2 win over Wolves in late August.
But a huge statistic has shown that the Toffees could opt for a tactical change involving both of their pair, as Moyes looks to change Everton’s poor fortunes on the south coast on Tuesday.
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Everton have a huge statistical advantage over Bournemouth that David Moyes must utilise
Whilst both Thierno Barry and Beto have struggled to put the ball in the net, they have been solid in other areas.
Barry has won 3.2 aerial duels per 90 this season, and set a record for the most won in a single game this season against Manchester United, notching 16 on his tally as he battled effortlessly to drag a 1-0 win over the line.
Some interesting takeaways from Moyes’ presser…
Beto isn’t far behind. He wins an average of 2.8 aerial duels per 90 minutes this season, and combining those against Bournemouth could well work in Moyes’ favour.
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Bournemouth, meanwhile, haven’t been quite as able when it comes to aerial wins. Starting centre-back duo Bafode Diakite is their leading man in the air, though he’s only won 2.5 aerial duels per 90 minutes this season, whilst centre-back partner Marcos Senesi only wins 2.2 aerials duels per match.
A combined tally of 4.7 aerial duels won is far behind Everton’s strike duo winning six per game – and that’s with just one up front. Imagine the success with two.
Everton need to change their tactical approach to start scoring goals
Beto and Thierno Barry have only shared four minutes on a Premier League pitch so far this season, coming in the 1-0 defeat to Leeds on the opening day of the season as Everton chased a late draw at Elland Road.
It’s a playing style that Moyes doesn’t particularly favour too much, but when his side have been struggling for goals, he may have no choice.
STAT: Thierno Barry had the lowest amount of touches (26) of any player who started in Everton’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle. Even Jordan Pickford (36) and Aaron Ramsdale (37) had more.
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Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane are the only players to have scored more than one goal for Everton this season and that is a telling sign, given all but Keane are utilised in midfield.
However, with midfield injuries and suspensions, that could also suit Moyes, as it would allow Dewsbury-Hall and James Garner to sit in midfield whilst options are light.
Nothing much has worked for Everton at the Vitality Stadium in the past, and their current setup is hardly goal-laden. It’s time for Moyes to finally bite the bullet.
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