Moyes' men unbeaten but toothless up top

Everton are unbeaten after six matches for just the third time in the Premier League era. In 2006/07 and 2013/14 they finished sixth and then fifth from this position. It is a testament to the hard work of David Moyes, who has returned to challenging circumstances in his second Everton spell, that he has got the club back to looking upwards.

For the last five seasons, Everton have been in the bottom half, often battling relegation. Now, it seems, they have a genuine chance to push up the table and dare to dream bigger. However, it is hard to see how Moyes can drag them into Europe with Thierno Barry as his only striker.

The 23-year-old scored in the end in the 2-2 draw at Hull, but, according to Opta, he needed five big chances to find the back of the net. At least two of those had to go in. If Everton are to qualify for Europe, they will need a striker who wins them points.

"At Hull, you could argue they had a striker who cost them points," wrote Zinny Boswell. Barry, who is Everton's top scorer since the start of last season in the Premier League (11 goals), is improving all the time, but the current situation is unfair on him and his manager. Right now he cannot be depended on consistently.

The Frenchman, who has started all eight of Everton's matches this season, appeared to pull up with cramp towards the end at Hull and Moyes had no choice but to replace him with Charly Alcaraz, who is a midfielder by trade. The plan, of course, was to have Folarin Balogun in the squad — but his move from Monaco collapsed at the last minute on Deadline Day.

The obvious solution would be to go back in for a striker in January. It remains to be seen how the uncertainty at ownership level will impact their plans. Moyes needs — and deserves — another striker to have a proper chance at a push for Europe.

Belloumi makes the difference for Hull

Mohamed Belloumi is making the difference for Hull City — even when he is tired. The Algeria winger was benched for the first time this season against Everton after telling head coach Sergej Jakirovic on Friday that he was fatigued after playing three times for his country during the international break.

Belloumi still made a crucial impact on Sunday, netting Hull's equaliser to earn them a point. He has been pivotal in the club's good start, scoring or assisting five of their eight Premier League goals this season.

The 24-year-old was signed from Portuguese side Farense in August 2024 and scored only five goals in 35 Championship appearances over two seasons, but, at a higher level, his pace and fearless dribbling has made a significant contribution already. Belloumi will return to being the first name on their teamsheet at Fulham next weekend and, if his early-season form is anything to go by, defences will have plenty more to worry about.