Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson has pinpointed what went wrong for the Blues last night.
David Moyes’ side were held to a 1-1 draw against West Ham at Hill Dickinson, despite a positive start.
A totemic Michael Keane header gave Everton the lead, but the Toffees were pinned back in the second half.
A Jarrod Bowen equaliser levelled the game, and the visitors looked the most likely to snatch all three points.
Indeed, the Toffees struggled to get up the pitch, with Beto’s capacity to hold the ball up very limited.
Ferguson described the 27-year-old’s performance as ‘very poor’ post match.
The Scot said: “Beto for me was very poor.
“I don’t remember Everton having many chances. Everton were poor upfront. You could smell it in the second half. Everton made a few defensive mistakes.”
He continued: “Everton struggled to create chances tonight. Grealish, Ndiaye, Beto – you need a better platform.
“Beto is good at running in behind, but you need a platform to get up the pitch. With his feet, technically, he’s not there.”
BLUES WILL STRUGGLE WITHOUT FINISHER
Beto has two goals in all competitions so far this season, with strikes against Mansfield Town and Wolves.
However, the Guinea-Bissau international has a terrible first touch, and struggles to link up with the midfield.
New signing Thierno Barry is yet to get off the mark for the Toffees, but has shown his potential in glimpses.
With no other centre-forward arriving during the summer, Moyes’ options are limited in the striking department.
Iliman Ndiaye could provide the Everton boss with an alternative option. The Senegalese international has two goals from the wing so far this season.
Indeed, he was Everton’s top scorer last season with nine league goals and is certainly the best finisher at the club.
Either way, Moyes has some thinking to do ahead of Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.
