Perhaps Everton’s biggest blunder during the summer transfer window was their failure to bring in a new striker, despite letting Beto join Fiorentina on deadline day.
David Moyes & co were aiming to upgrade on Beto by signing AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun, but the American’s move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium broke down, with the centre-forward pulling out of the deal after undergoing his medical.
The Toffees have since continued their solid start to the season, taking nine points from their opening five Premier League matches, and Thierno Barry has looked sharp in front of goal, getting on the scoresheet five times in seven matches across all competitions.
However, there is still room for improvement, as Moyes was critical of his side’s finishing in the 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town prior to the international break, saying: “I’m actually more disappointed that we’ve not scored more goals. I’m rattling them like you couldn’t believe at the moment: ‘Why are we not scoring more goals, getting better crosses in, better finishes, shooting from the edge of the box etc’?
“Because I think that’s one of the things we’re missing from being a half-decent side.”
Match statistics | Everton | Ipswich |
xG | 2.24 | 1.44 |
Big chances | 5 | 1 |
Total shots | 21 | 13 |
Shots on target | 2 | 4 |
Shots inside box | 13 | 9 |
Moreover, the Toffees cannot rely solely on Barry, who is the only senior striker on the books, as fitness may become an issue if he continues to start every match, and it would be a savvy move to bring in another centre-forward during the January transfer window.
Everton enter the race to sign Tommy Lonergan
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton have now stormed into the race to sign Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan, having sent scouts to watch him in action during Ireland U21s recent 3-1 victory against England.
Sunderland, Brighton, Brentford and Leeds United delegations were also in attendance, with the race for Lonergan’s signature starting to heat up, and he put himself in the shop window by scoring a brace in the shock triumph.
Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford praised his star striker after the match, saying: “He’s great to have around the place. He’s a bubbly character. And I think he showed that he can play at a higher level with his performance there. He’s a fantastic goalscorer and he’s had one hell of a season.”
Indeed, the 22-year-old is enjoying an excellent campaign with Waterford, having scored 15 goals in all competitions, including 14 in the League of Ireland, a record which leaves him top of the goalscoring charts with just four games left to play.
Lonergan’s goalscoring return is made more impressive by the fact he has played for one of the weaker sides in the division, with Waterford currently sitting in eighth place.
However, it may take some time for the Irishman to adapt to life in the Premier League, as his only experience outside his home country to date was a brief spell with Fleetwood Town.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
