Everton continued their brilliant form under David Moyes at the weekend, beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Fresh from rescuing a draw against Liverpool in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, Everton were down in the capital for a trip to Selhurst Park.
And it was that man Beto again who delivered for Everton, opening the scoring just before half-time.
But Palace did find an equaliser through Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the goal being confirmed after a lengthy VAR check. Mateta was then deemed to be onside.
Despite that setback, Everton found another goal through Carlos Alcaraz, who tucked in after Ashley Young saw an effort deflected.
The result has put Everton 13 points clear of the relegation zone, and Everton have done the double over Crystal Palace for the first time since the 2004/05 season.
On Match of the Day last night, Alan Shearer heaped praise on an exciting new pairing in the Everton team.
- READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz has already got his first Everton chant after scoring against Crystal Palace
Alan Shearer praises Everton partnership Beto and Carlos Alcaraz
Beto is a man reborn under David Moyes.
The striker has now scored four goals in his last three Premier League games, taking his tally up to nine for the season across all competitions.
He is benefitting massively from the injuries to other players, and also the belief instilling in him by the new Everton manager.
Moyes gave Alcaraz his first start against Palace – and the pair did look to enjoy playing together.
And Shearer was excited by the pairing, saying on Match of the Day: “It was Alcaraz’s first start today, but Beto and Alcaraz – they seem to have a really good understanding. Beto the main man further forward, Alcaraz just in behind him.
“There was a real good understanding from the both of them, when to run, when the other was going short.”
After the game, Alcaraz pounded the Everton crest on his shirt, suggesting he is very much loving life with the Toffees early doors.
He seems to enjoy playing with Beto, who Oliver Glasner admitted Palace just couldn’t deal with last night.
Brilliant Beto can shine even brighter with Alcaraz
It is remarkable to see the job Moyes is doing and how he is getting a tune out of so many players who were struggling before.
Beto has been brilliant over the last few weeks, and it’s clear that getting him in behind is how to play to his strengths.
Alcaraz operating just behind him looks like a winning combination.
The Argentine created two ‘big’ chances and made three ‘key’ passes in yesterday’s game, indicating he has the creativity that can serve Beto well.
Without a doubt, Alcaraz has to be playing in that role ahead of Abdoulaye Doucoure.
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