Everton manager David Moyes has thrown the gauntlet down to his centre-forwards ahead of Tuesday’s match.
The Toffees travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest for the second time this month.
Sean Dyche’s side were comfortably beaten in a 3-0 win for the Blues at Hill Dickinson Stadium three weeks ago.
Summer arrival Thierno Barry finally got off the mark for the club, scoring the second of the afternoon.
A quick counter-attack from Iliman Ndiaye was coolly finished by the Frenchman, who appeared overjoyed when the ball hit the net.
Speaking ahead of the return visit, Moyes was asked about Barry’s output in the games since then.
He said: “I think he’s played well in some games, even today (at Burnley) when he came on, the keeper makes a really good save from him. But, yeah, look, I think he’s improved.
“We’ve tried to give him a run of games to give him that confidence and give him a chance to show what he can do.
“But ultimately, any of the centre-forwards we’ve got have got to score goals because you need that as a number nine.”
However, with a combined tally of two between Everton’s two centre-forwards, Moyes lamented the lack of goals in the side.
“I think he’s got one and Beto’s got one as well, so that’s not good enough and we need to find more goals,” he continued.
BARRY WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE, BUT A STRIKER MUST BE BROUGHT IN REGARDLESS
While perhaps he’s throwing down the gauntlet to his strikers, it could also be a message to the board.
With the January transfer window about to open, it’s clear Everton require investment upfront.
Beto has been linked with a move away. Indeed, a swap deal for Roma’s Artem Dovbyk has also been reported.
Ultimately, the club cannot persevere until the end of the season with our current attacking options.
Had we had a fit and firing goalscorer since August, we’d likely be in a very promising position now.
A striker must be brought in, and he’ll need to hit the ground running.
