Everton captain James Tarkowski insists Beto doesn’t need “an arm around the shoulder” after his first-half misses at the Etihad Stadium were punished by the devastating efficiency in front of goal of Erling Haaland following the interval. The Blues created the best of the chances in the opening 45 minutes of their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Iliman Ndiaye twice teed up Beto only to see the misfiring Guinea-Bissau striker – who had spurned an open goal playing for his country in Ethiopia last week – fail to hit the target before the Senegal international’s own dipping effort was spectacularly tipped over the crossbar by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Beto has netted just once in eight Premier League appearances so far this season but speaking in his pre-match press conference, manager David Moyes described him as a brilliant lad and said “his dedication to try and improve himself is second to none.”

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Tarkowski also doesn’t think there is any problem with the 27-year-old’s morale and...