Everton‘s durability in David Moyes‘ system seems to know no bounds.
Brentford boast the tactical prototype to thwart this Everton side’s tactical set-up, but after weathering an early storm, the visitors struck at the Gtech through defender Jake O’Brien, taking a well-earned point back to Merseyside.
It means the Toffees have now gone six matches unbeaten in the Premier League, a run bettered only by their red neighbours in the division.
The 15th-place side are 15 points ahead of Ipswich Town in the bottom three and can now look ahead with optimism, with so many players coming into their own under Moyes’ wing.
However, one of the biggest improvers failed to maintain his level against the Bees, with Beto indeed failing to impress in the capital.
Beto’s performance vs Everton
Beto has been one of English football’s most in-form goalscorers since Moyes returned to Goodison Park, but he returned to a lesser state during a wasteful display against Thomas Frank‘s team.
|
Beto in the Premier League |
||
|---|---|---|
|
# |
for Dyche |
for Moyes |
|
Apps |
42 |
6 |
|
Goals |
4 |
5 |
|
Shot conversion % |
7% |
31% |
|
Big chances missed |
10 |
3 |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
||
Accruing an expected goals (xG) total of 0.62 on Wednesday evening, as per Sofascore, the Guinea Bissau international somehow failed to get his name on the scoresheet.
The shining light from this profligate performance is that he’s getting himself in good positions, earning opportunities in a more fluid Everton set-up than was on display under Sean Dyche.
He also won nine total duels, bespeaking his movement and combative approach. However, Moyes will be disappointed in his number nine’s effort, highlighting the need for alternative options to step forward.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja both sidelined, Everton’s coming run of fixtures could serve as a fantastic opportunity for one young striker who hasn’t featured for the first team in 2024/25.
The striker who could replace Beto
The man in question is Youssef Chermiti, whose absence across the campaign is a by-product of various muscular problems. Chermiti has sat on the bench across four Premier League matches this season – including the fixture against Brentford.
Signed from Sporting CP in a £15m deal in August 2023, the 20-year-old made 20 top-flight appearances last year but only started once, playing a total of 196 minutes.
Regarded as a “superb prospect” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Portuguese ace is imposing at 6 foot 4, with a convincing aerial presence and a natural cleverness in his movement. Similar, you might say, to Beto.
Now that he’s fit and ready for matchday inclusion, it’s important that Moyes gives him opportunities to strut his stuff, especially since the youngster will have noted Beto’s significant improvements since the Scotsman came to town.
Beto has been one of Everton’s most resurgent stars over the past several weeks, but against Brentford, he reminded the Toffees that he’s not above a misfire.
Moyes’ options at the front of the ship are slim, sure, but the Blues have a young gun in Chermiti who is just waiting for a chance to show his quality under new management, in a new era.
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The Everton forward endured a frustrating evening against Brentford on Wednesday.
