adminEverton Fans’ Fury: Calls to Bench Beto After Moyes’ Tactical Misstep in Derby Defeat
In a pulsating Merseyside derby at Anfield, Everton’s hopes of upsetting Liverpool were dashed in a 2-1 defeat that exposed familiar frailties under David Moyes. Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike struck for the Reds, with Everton’s late fightback—sparked by a more adventurous second-half approach—proving too little, too late. The loss, on September 20, 2025, has ignited a firestorm among Toffees supporters, who are directing their ire not just at the result, but at Moyes’ conservative tactics and a key player’s role within them.
From the outset, Moyes opted for a defensive setup, parking the bus to frustrate Liverpool’s high-pressing machine. It worked briefly, but as one fan vented on X, “Coward tactics in the first half. Moyes bottled it every time at Anfield. The strategy stifled Everton’s attack, leaving their forward line isolated. At the center of the backlash is Beto, the Portuguese striker who started upfront but endured a nightmare afternoon. Labeled “shite, lazy, can’t trap a ball” by supporter Stephen Leary, Beto squandered limited service, managing just 12 touches before being hooked for Dominic Barry around the hour mark. Once substituted, Everton pushed forward with renewed vigor, hinting at what might have been.
Social media erupted post-whistle, with #DropBeto trending among Evertonians. “He started Beto thinking he’d bully VD again… Easy cop out to blame Moyes but we’ve a CF there who’s a pub player,” Leary added, encapsulating the frustration. Others decried Moyes’ “shithouse tactics” costing the game, demanding a tactical overhaul to suit more dynamic players like Iliman Ndiaye, who was controversially withdrawn late despite impressing. “Why is Moyes subbing off Everton’s best player when he needs an equaliser?” one user fumed.
Moyes, in his post-match interview, defended the approach as pragmatic against a “perfect start” Liverpool side, but admitted the second-half shift showed promise. Yet, with Everton languishing mid-table, patience is wearing thin. Fans now clamor for Beto’s demotion to the bench, arguing Moyes’ rigid system exacerbates his limitations. As one X post summed up the mood: “Moyes’ God awful tactics—fuck off.”
This derby defeat isn’t just three points lost; it’s a rallying cry for change. Will Moyes adapt, or will the blue half of Merseyside turn louder? NSNO, but for how long?
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Eddy