Source: PA
Arteta: We need to score more goals
Midfielder Mikel Arteta accepts Everton's lack of "end product" has cost them dearly so far this season and they need a prolific striker if they are to break into the Barclays Premier League top four.
The Toffees have won just five of their 21 league matches, scoring 23 goals in the process. There have been numerous occasions this season when David Moyes' side have dominated matches but failed to finish off their opponents, and Arteta admits it is a stumbling block which needs to be overcome.
The departure of Ayegbeni Yakubu to Leicester on loan, with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season, gives the manager the opportunity to freshen up the forward line.
And although Everton cannot afford the type of striker which could catapult them from mid-table to Champions League qualification contenders, Arteta said the players will not complain about the lack of resources to bolster the squad.
"I think we had some really good games without any end product - that is the biggest criticism we could have," the Spaniard told www.lifesapitch.co.uk.
"Not getting the points and not closing the games when we have had the chance makes it a harder season because it means you've not won enough games, we have drawn too many. But David Moyes he doesn't want anyone complaining about how sorry we feel because we haven't had the money to spend or we have players injured. He says 'Take it as it comes' and we have to go out there and do what we are paid to do."
