Why Everton supporters have Beto's back as striker gets classic Goodison goal
After 94 minutes of strife for Everton, Beto’s last-gasp equaliser brought an outpouring of emotion. It came from both the player and home fans alike and the relief was palpable.
The Blues’ super sub-banged his fist against the Goodison Park turf as a release having snatched a share of the spoils for his side.
But if he hadn’t headed them level against Fulham with just seconds remaining then Evertonians might have been tempted to bang their heads against the nearest wall, such had been the frustration.
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Just seven days on from when it had been men against boys as Sean Dyche’s side administered a harsh lesson to big-spending top flight rookies Ipswich Town, Everton were far more laboured against a Cottagers outfit who controlled the contest for long periods through their grip on possession.
On what is set to be his final Premier League return to Goodison, Marco Silva insisted that his side should have won but sometimes what goes around, comes around, especially in football.
Silva triumphed here three times last year with Fulham but on their last Premier League visit, the Portuguese coach – despite having worked in England since 2017 – had to have it explained what a “smash and grab” win was after fortune favoured his side on that day.
Now the tables have turned, and while Beto has now switched his international allegiance to Guinea-Bissau, he was born in the same city as the former Blues boss who he thwarted as Dyche’s very own ‘Lisbon Lion.’
Maybe Beto will never become the striker that the club and its fanbase crave but his goal here was a classic Everton centre-forward’s effort.
Also, like those supporters who he says have urged him on since he signed from Udinese, he wears his heart on his sleeve and that, along with his efforts to keep on fighting for the cause, will always be appreciated.