Paul Merson left in disbelief by Everton v Fulham live on Sky Sports

Paul Merson was left in disbelief as Everton were made to pay for missing their chances in the 1-0 defeat against Fulham on Saturday 12 August.

Merson detailed how Fulham's opening goal "shouldn't have happened" as Andreas Pereira was able to get to a heavy ball for his assist while lamenting the Everton attack for the chances they missed while the game remained goalless.

Alex Patterson missed a key chance which was criticised by Sky Sports journalist Ben Grounds who claimed the goal was "at his mercy" as Everton's wasteful nature in front of goal continued into the new season.

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday [16:32], Merson exclaimed following Fulham's opening goal which came through Bobby Decordova-Reid: "They've had chance after chance, Everton, and they've been made to pay."

The Toffees have been looking to improve their options up front all summer after scoring a second-lowest Premier League total of 34 goals last season, and it was the same old story against Fulham as Everton failed to score again.

Strikers have been a priority for Everton and Dyche in this summer's transfer window, with Dominic Calver-Lewin's patchy injury record and Neal Maupay's continued profligacy in front of goal. They have brought in Arnaut Danjuma to ease the burden, but still need more up front.

Maupay started the opening fixture and missed key chances, particularly early on, which eventually cost his team as they fell behind. After today, it would not be a surprise to see Everton fast-forward their striker chase as the demand has been made obvious.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Goodison Park [Paul Joyce, 10 August], and have also looked into making a structured bid for Southampton striker Che Adams [Mike McGrath, 11 August].

In other Everton news, Alan Myers has shared an update on an Everton forward who could be leaving.