Do Everton have Premier League's worst forward options?published at 12:40 GMT 29 October
12:40 GMT 29 October
Image source, Getty Images
Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.
Terry asked: Do you think Everton have the worst forward options in the Premier League? Beto is nowhere near the required level technically and Thierno Barry looks lost since joining in the summer. I can't think of a team with worse options.
Phil answered: If not the worst, then among the worst.
Beto is short of consistent Premier League class, struggles with hold-up play and misses too many chances. Barry is, shall we say, a work in progress.
Everton spent £27m on Barry in the summer to bring him from Villarreal when there were already doubts over Beto's pedigree. They bought a raw, developing player when they needed something nearer the finished article.
It is clear manager David Moyes shares those doubts from the number of times he has swapped them - for games and during games.
It is an obvious flaw that is already costing Everton points. They have real creativity with Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, but the lack of a reliable striker is letting them down and will continue to do so.
'More tactical variety is desperately needed'published at 10:57 GMT 28 October
10:57 GMT 28 October
Briony Bragg Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The first loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium was inevitable at some stage, however, it still stings.
That is now one win in seven in all competitions. Of course, Everton were the only team not to concede from a set-piece this season, for the inevitable to then happen (twice!).
But, as it was at Manchester City in the previous week, Everton simply are not taking their chances when they arise - and as cliche as it sounds, goals change games.
Beto had a glorious opportunity in the third minute to put Everton in front, which could have changed the whole trajectory of the game. The forward attackers just were not at the races and Spurs took their chances. There were some beautiful crosses into their box, and someone with the profile of Micky van de Ven simply should not be allowed a free header.
Time to switch it up, David Moyes. No more like-for-like substitutions, or delayed ones at that. Everton need to make some real tactical changes, showing a new dimension to their play.
It is all too easy to read now. All the game runs through Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, so teams are just doubling up on them both. None of the full-backs are offering them more options, and both Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall need to pull the trigger more at goal.
It worked well with James Garner in an unfamiliar left-back role at the 2-0 win against Brighton; likewise, Carlos Alcaraz really impressed in the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace. What could he really offer when he came on at 85 minutes against Tottenham?
With Merlin Rohl continuing to impress in training, it may be time to bring him into the starting midfield and give Idrissa Gana Gueye a well-deserved rest. It may inject some new energy and unpredictability; more tactical variety is desperately needed.
'We need to find ways to score'published at 10:28 GMT 27 October
10:28 GMT 27 October
Image source, Getty Images
James Tarkowski says Everton "need to find ways to score" as they slumped to their second consecutive Premier League defeat on Sunday, this time at the hands of Tottenham.
The Toffees have scored just three times in their past five games across all competitions, and have failed to score in either of their past two matches against Manchester City and Spurs.
Everton conceded twice in the first half against Spurs from corners, with defender Micky van de Ven scoring both.
Tarkowski believes all players are responsible for Everton's recent goal drought, not just the forward players.
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside after the loss, the centre-back said: "We need to start scoring goals, we need to start putting the ball in the back of the net.
"That might sound like I'm picking on forward players, but I'm definitely not, that's for the whole team including myself.
"We need to find ways to score. Tottenham's centre halves scored two against us.
"Set pieces decide games a lot of the time, and you saw that Tottenham won the game from set pieces."
Everton 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:24 GMT 27 October
10:24 GMT 27 October
Media caption,
Van de Ven scores twice as Tottenham beat Everton
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Mark: We just lack a goalscoring striker. Beto works hard, just not good enough, and we were poor defensively from corners.
Simon: This result is a pretty fair reflection of where the team is at, which is miles off the top half of the league. Until we can start playing through balls behind the opposition defence, we will continue to be an easy team to defend against. We have first-class wingers, but our nine and 10 offer nothing through the middle.
Mike: Everton have become so predictable, and teams have sussed us out very quickly. We are far too slow and ponderous; it's easy to defend.
Ted: We were awful. No centre forward. No creativity. Grealish tried, but was not supported by anyone.
Tottenham fans
Andy: Although we are now riding high in the league, I just can't get excited about this team or its manager. Frank is perfectly content letting the opposition dictate, playing all the positive football whilst we play on the back foot, passing sideways and backwards when we have the ball; hoping at some point to score from a set piece.
Frank: Much better performance. Defence is good, central midfield is excellent. Sarr seems to have an eye for goal play as a forward. As Frank says, it is about building layers, and we need to get the four forwards working with pace. Enjoyed the game.
Tony: Not our best effort, the scoreline is quite flattering, but a win is a win. We need to pass the ball better and at a better tempo. We play too slowly and lost the ball too much.
Analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinctpublished at 19:39 GMT 26 October
19:39 GMT 26 October
Emily Salley at Hill Dickinson Stadium BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Everton's new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Pape Matar Sarr's third for Spurs.
The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.
Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.
And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.
Everton 0-3 Tottenham: What Moyes said published at 19:17 GMT 26 October
19:17 GMT 26 October
Media caption,
Everton didn't defend corners well enough - Moyes
Everton boss David Moyes spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat to Tottenham: "It wasn't a 3-0, but it ended up 3-0 because we didn't defend our set pieces well enough. I thought we did a lot of positive things, but it wasn't a positive result, which is what we were after."
On set pieces: "Give Spurs credit, they are good at them, they got on the end of things that they tried, we had more corners than them but couldn't get one of those moments to go for us. That happens, today was a bit of a kick in the you-know-whats."
On the goal ruled out by VAR: "Since I have seen it, I agree it was offside, if it had been the other way around I would be claiming it was an offside goal so I think they got it right.
"Their keeper was probably their best player, dealt with corners incredibly well. We played some good stuff but could not get the goal we needed."
Did you know?
Heading into this game, Everton were the only team yet to concede from a set-piece in the Premier League this season (excluding penalties) – the Toffees then proceeded to concede from a corner twice in the same Premier League game for the first time since December 2023 (Max Kilman and Craig Dawson for Wolves).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Crystal Palace" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Burnley", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Tottenhampublished at 10:30 GMT 26 October
10:30 GMT 26 October
Tottenham have become a more versatile side under Thomas Frank, able to set up to suit the opposition, but I don't feel as if they are ever clinical enough in the final third.
It is a similar story with Everton. I always feel they have a goal in them, just not from the centre-forward, whether it is Beto or Thierno Barry leading their attack.
It must be frustrating for Toffees manager David Moyes but being realistic, who can they attract, or afford, who would make a difference up front?
All of that makes me think this is going to be a tight game, and I don't think there will be a winner.
Everton v Tottenham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:40 BST 25 October
13:40 BST 25 October
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Everton are unbeaten so far in five games at Hill Dickinson Stadium and they next put that record on the line against a Tottenham side who have won more away points than any other team this season.
While Everton's home form has been strong, the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City last weekend highlighted familiar problems up front.
Everton's current two strikers, Beto and Thierno Barry, have scored one goal between them in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
Beto, who joined from Udinese for £21.5m two years ago, had an excellent chance to score early on at Etihad Stadium, narrowly failing to convert a low cross into an open goal.
The Guinea-Bissau international is underperforming his expected goals tally more than any other Premier League player bar Jean-Philippe Mateta this season - but whereas the Crystal Palace forward has still scored five Premier League goals, Beto has scored just one in eight appearances.
Barry, a £27.5m summer signing from Villarreal, is understandably taking time to adjust to the pace of Premier League football in only his second campaign in a top European league.
What may help the Toffees this weekend, as they attempt to win back-to-back Premier League meetings with Tottenham for the first time since manager David Moyes' first spell with the club, is the return of Jack Grealish.
The on-loan England international was ineligible to face parent club City last Saturday and Everton's attacking numbers - albeit in a tough assignment away from home - dropped off.
The Toffees average 13 shots and four on target per game with Grealish in the side in the Premier League this season but they managed just five shots, and one on target, against Pep Guardiola's side.
Tottenham's tally of 10 points from their opening four away matches is the highest of any side, beating Manchester City, West Ham United and Leeds United.
The 2-1 home defeat by Aston Villa last weekend, however, highlighted an ongoing vulnerability that will be familiar to Spurs' supporters.
Since the start of 2024-25, Tottenham have lost eight Premier League matches when scoring first - the joint most of any team along with Fulham.
And while fans may associate such setbacks with the reign of Ange Postecoglou, current Spurs head coach Thomas Frank has his own history of letting leads slip.
Over the same period, Frank has lost six games after scoring first - with Brentford and Spurs - with only Postecoglou and Fulham boss Marco Silva doing so more often.
Tottenham will also have to contend with a quicker turnaround following a Champions League result on Wednesday that may be less familiar in its circumstances - the 0-0 draw at Monaco was Tottenham's first goalless draw in 126 games in all competitions.
Moyes on Branthwaite, fan optimism and 'impressive' Ndiayepublished at 14:34 BST 24 October
14:34 BST 24 October
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Moyes said they will not be giving a timescale for Jarrad Branthwaite's return after he had more surgery on his hamstring on Tuesday, adding: "We had him back, he was back in full training, and we expected him to be very close for the Manchester City game [last weekend]. It didn't feel quite right so we got it checked out and he's had to have some work on it."
Right-back Nathan Patterson is sidelined with "a plantar fascia tear in his foot" which "will probably keep him out for a couple of weeks".
Moyes confirmed Patterson will also be treated for his hernia while resting his foot.
On whether Jake O'Brien is an option at centre-back: "He's had a couple of games there and done really well. He is a centre-back but he is doing a really good job for us as a right-back. If we have any problems then we know we've got him."
In response to whether Hill Dickinson Stadium now feels like home: "I think we're all pretty comfortable. We've won the games [played there] so it's easier to speak well about it. Generally, I think it is something we have been hoping and waiting on at Everton so now we are there we are so glad we've got it."
He said there is a "different feeling" around the club this season and "the supporters are more optimistic".
Moyes added: "When I came in, it was the feeling of anything better than what has gone on. It was about staying in the league, most importantly. It's part of the manager's job to build expectation, but in the same breath, we have to remember the last couple of years because a lot has got to change to get us back to the levels we hope we can be."
On Iliman Ndiaye's season so far: "It is hugely impressive how he has played. He's been so good and we're getting goals from him as well. He is a great lad to work with."
Pranks, Corrie and a scrap with Calzaghepublished at 08:17 BST 24 October
08:17 BST 24 October
This week, Wayne Rooney has some familiar faces alongside him on his podcast.
The former Manchester United striker speaks to the likes of ex-Everton midfielder Darron Gibson and Toffees boxing hero Tony Bellew also makes an appearance.
There's discussion about growing up, jumping naked in the sea, agents and boxing challenges with Joe Calzaghe.
Gossip: Tottenham may sell Richarlisonpublished at 07:42 BST 24 October
07:42 BST 24 October
Everton are ready to move to re-sign Brazil forward Richarlison, with Tottenham considering putting the 28-year-old on the market in January. (TeamTalk), external
'Square pegs in round holes' - Stubbs on Everton defence published at 15:09 BST 23 October
15:09 BST 23 October
Image source, Getty Images
Former Everton defender and captain Alan Stubbs discussed what the Toffees should do with their backline following the confirmation of Jarrad Branthwaite's hamstring operation on Monday.
The 23-year-old hasn't featured for Everton yet in this campaign after picking up the initial injury during pre-season.
"Everton have been without him for a while now and it has been a concern," Stubbs told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"We all thought he was going to be back realistically after the last international break and that hasn't happened and then obviously the news broke about him having surgery on his hamstring.
"I suppose it's good news and bad news because at least Everton have got to the root of the problem and he's had an operation that will hopefully solve the issues he was encountering but, in the short-term, it's bad news because we know how much Everton missed him.
"Unfortunately, the options are not great in terms of what we do now. Michael Keane's come in and I must admit he's done really well, very well with [James] Tarkowski. There's the option of Jake O'Brien coming in, Seamus Coleman, James Garner, who's done very well at either full-back, so there are options.
"The problem is square pegs in round holes but I must admit Garner has had some of his best games at right-back if David Moyes does decide to put Jake O'Brien inside."
Ndiaye 'would not look out of place at any club in Europe'published at 12:03 BST 21 October
12:03 BST 21 October
Mike Richards Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Travelling to Manchester City and leaving with a defeat, will be commonplace to many sides. Sadly, we fell the same way on Saturday.
So often in defeat you rightly look at what went wrong, but sometimes it is just as important to shine some light on the positives, and in our case, Iliman Ndiaye.
I have highlighted him once already this season. After the arrival of Jack Grealish, the external attention he once demanded appeared to have dwindled slightly. Following Saturday's showing, he has become impossible to ignore once again.
To say he was a headache for Manchester City's left-hand side would be an understatement.
His entire repertoire was evident.
Fleet-footed, mesmerising body movement and clever bursts of pace, it was a performance that warranted being on the winning side.
His nonchalant beating of three City players on the edge of his own box, highlighted his brilliance.
On another day, he could have walked away with a goal and an assist and would have done if not for some Gianluigi Donnarumma acrobatics and a miss by Beto.
The defensive side of his game was just as impressive. He regularly dispossessed Jeremy Doku, showing incredible strength to hold him off on multiple occasions.
It is the kind of performance Evertonians have seen countless times before. The real concern now is that many clubs will be on red alert to capture his signature in the summer.
Everton are in a strong position in that sense - with Ndiaye contracted until June 2029 – but you would like to think the club would offer improved terms to ensure he stays at the club.
I believe that he could play for any club in Europe and not look out of place. We need to ensure our ambitions match his.
'Toffees might have to fight off bids' for Ndiaye published at 11:31 BST 21 October
11:31 BST 21 October
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
I often think of players who would be even more impressive playing with better sides, teams who have more of the ball and spend more time in the attacking third.
Watching Everton's Iliman Ndiaye so far this season, I suspect he could do a phenomenal job if he was playing for Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal, he is that good.
I hope he stays at the Toffees but they might have to fight off bids from the bigger boys soon. Notice I don't mention Liverpool in the shortlist.
This is not because he isn't capable but I would rightly have an Evertonian lynch mob after me if I suggested such a thing!