BBC Sport journo shares reason to be optimistic for Everton after raving about new signing Beto
Shaman Hafez has shared a reason for Everton to be optimistic heading into the clash against Arsenal on Sunday (17 September).
Writing on the BBC Sport website on 12 September (02:59pm), the journalist said the Toffees can “take some comfort” from the fact that Sean Dyche’s first game in charge at Goodison Park saw them beat the Gunners 1-0 in February.
He added that there are also “green shoots of optimism” for the Blues after being wowed by the performances of new signing Beto following the Portuguese forward’s arrival from Udinese towards the end of the transfer window.
“Now it does not get any easier, hosting title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday,” said Hafez. “But the Toffees can take some comfort knowing they beat the Gunners 1-0 in Dyche’s first game in charge in February.
“There are also green shoots of optimism following the performances of summer signing Beto, who joined for £25million from Udinese. The 6’4” Portuguese frontman scored on his debut in the victory at Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup and followed that up with another impressive showing at Bramall Lane.
“Everton now have a striker who they can play the ball into his feet, as well as using his pace to run into the channels. Such was his impact, the 25-year-old completed six dribbles against the Blades, more than any other Premier League player has managed this season.”
Promising
Although it won’t be an easy game against Arsenal on Sunday, the Everton players can take confidence from the fact that they did beat them earlier this year.
Having picked up their first point of the season against Sheffield United last time out, they should be in better spirits heading into the weekend’s fixture.
It hasn’t been the best start to the campaign, but there were encouraging signs at Bramall Lane that they can look to build upon as they go in pursuit of their first win in the Premier League this season.
One of the biggest positives was the performance of Beto after he backed up his goal against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup with another promising display.
The forward will be looking to unsettle the Gunners’ backline when they take to the field and he will be desperate to grab his first goal at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the Premier League is due to make checks after takeover news has emerged.