Everton have statistically become one of the deadliest teams in the Premier League.
Supporters may be sceptical, given frustrations over a lack of cutting edge this season, especially from David Moyes’ strikers, who he wanted to score “far more goals”.
Beto and Thierno Barry might not seem like natural goalscorers, but their recent performances show positive underlying numbers. This bodes well for the club’s push to secure a spot in Europe.
Improved Conversion Rates But Consistency Is Key
Over the first 18 matches of the season, the Toffees’ big chance conversion stood at 29 per cent, the lowest in the top-flight. But after the next 17 fixtures, that increased to 53 per cent, bumping them up to second.
Everton seem to have rediscovered their form in front of goal, and both Barry and Beto deserve credit for the improvements.
Significant question marks, however, continue to hang over them. Consistency has been an issue for both, scoring 12 of their 19 big chances over the last 17 games, having converted only two of 14 in their first 18.
They have been aided by the Toffees’ improvements when counter-attacking. Moyes’ changes have paid off handsomely, with players freed up to spring forward after transitions. But equally, neither striker can be trusted to put the ball in the net with any consistency.
Strikers Face Responsibility for European Ambitions
Barry and Beto will have to shoulder a fair amount of responsibility if Everton miss out on Europe. Their tally of 44 goals is the lowest of any team in the top 10, and Moyes has been unable to evoke a spark of real creativity.
The finishing touch from either of the two No 9s has arguably been worse than the standard of chance creation. They flicker in and out of brilliance, but are unlikely to ever become hitmen Moyes can comfortably hand his hat on.
Before the 3-3 draw with Manchester City, Barry had netted just six times in 34 league games. But it was his brace that appeared to put the Toffees on course for a win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, before they allowed two points to squirm out of their grasp.
That encapsulates Moyes’ awkward dilemma. Beto delivered an abysmal performance before being hooked, while Barry, who had underwhelmed so often in the weeks leading up to the showdown on Merseyside, all of a sudden resembled a world beater.
Moyes’ tactical tweaks during the half-time break did admittedly play in the latter’s favour. He had instructed his players to get “closer” to City, urging them to show them less