Everton manager David Moyes has challenged his centre-forwards to be more consistent in front of goal.
Indeed, Moyes insists that a run in the starting XI is up for grabs, but the player will have to ‘earn the right’.
The Toffees are lacking in the striking department, relying solely on Beto and summer signing Thierno Barry.
Beto has underperformed, while Barry may need time to settle, a factor Moyes is all too aware of.
Beto has scored twice so far this season, while Barry is yet to get off the mark in a blue shirt.
However, the Frenchman was impressive during the 2-0 home win over Brighton in August, linking up well for both goals.
The pair have spent the opening weeks of the season jostling for the nod in the starting XI.
However, Moyes insists that his decision will be solely influenced by a run of form in front of goal.
He said: “Yes, we can, yes [give one a run of starts]. I think their form dictates that. I think if you do well enough, you get that opportunity to do that.
“To get that opportunity to get minutes, you have to earn the right. At the moment, they’re both in between a little bit. We’re trying to get goals, Beto has got a couple of goals, Barry’s just new to the club.
“If anybody really thought that everybody who comes in settles in right away – we said that it was going to take time, so we should make sure that we’re giving Barry the opportunity to settle in.”
FORWARDS MUST EARN CHANCE TO LEAD THE LINE FOR EVERTON
The Blues welcome West Ham to the Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight, and it will be interesting to see who starts up top.
The visitors have won just once all season, resulting in Graham Potter’s dismissal over the weekend.
It is a must-win game for the Toffees however, though Moyes will no doubt be wary of a new manager bounce from his former side.
