Everton boss David Moyes calls on misfiring Beto to step up after Man City defeat | OneFootball

Everton suffered a 2-0 defeat this weekend despite the Toffees putting up a good fight against Manchester City.

Everton stood toe to toe with the 2023 treble winners and actually had them against the ropes in the early sequences.

Unfortunately, the Merseyside outfit could not convert their chances, with centre-forward Beto guilty of fluffing his lines.

Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye worked wonders before setting up the striker on 13, and he desperately needed to tuck it, but failed.

Beto, who earns £75,000 per week, spurned another great opportunity that could have changed the complexion of the game before Erling Haaland powered in a brace.

Everton boss David Moyes acknowledged that his centre-forward should do better.

Moyes said (via the BBC), “They had played well, but we had a couple of really good chances.

“Beto should score the second one, I think, and I think we had a couple of big opportunities.

“Beto is not potential, he’s been here and scored goals in the Premier League last season. I expect him to score, and he does as well.

“He’s a hard worker and wants to do well for the team.”

Everton’s effort and structure under Moyes have been admirable, but their lack of cutting edge is a weakness, and is holding the Toffees back from truly kicking on.

Beto was expected to build on his eight-goal debut season, yet he’s looked out of sync and short of confidence. His finishing remains blunt.

Meanwhile, Thierno Barry, the £27 million summer recruit, has barely made a ripple since arriving from Villarreal.

For a side with European ambitions, that’s simply not good enough.

The Toffees have a solid foundation and plenty of creativity in midfield, but unless they add real firepower in January, their push for Europe will fade before spring.

Moyes knows it. Everton need a ruthless No.9 who can bury half-chances and relieve the pressure on an overworked defence.

Without one, the ceiling for this team remains frustratingly low.