Frank Lampard was faced with something of a dilemma in the second half of Everton's match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Salomon Rondon was clearly tiring as a lack of match fitness, having only played from the bench against Aston Villa so far this term, took hold. The striker had done fairly well as a focal point for the rest of the side, however, without necessarily looking like he might score himself.
However, a lot of what the Blues were trying to achieve came through him. Long balls aimed towards him were flicked on well or held up in strong fashion by the Venezuela international, and he was the clear aim for any crosses that would have been aimed into the box.
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So, what was the solution when it's clear he needed to come off? As everyone is well aware of by now, that's where Everton's real problem now lies.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury before the start of the campaign left Everton desperately short up front, especially considering Rondon was suspended for that opening clash against Chelsea. However, decisions following that moment have left supporters rather confused.
Chief among that was the choice to let Ellis Simms go out on loan to join Sunderland. What should be made clear at this early point is that the actual act of letting the striker leave on a temporary basis is not the issue - in fact it could be very beneficial once more to his development.
With spells at Blackpool and Hearts the forward has gone from strength to strength in first team football and the hope is that regular minutes at a good level will be able to accelerate that further. In terms of those particular points, there's not a lot that can be argued with.
However, the timing of the decision is now what's being brought into question. He might not have been ready to step up to the Everton side on a regular basis, but while the club were short of options surely it would have mad sense to utilise his talents as much as possible throughout the opening matches of the season?
Perhaps Simms thought the opportunity right now was too good to turn down, perhaps the Blues thought they would have a transfer in place by now. It's not really worth guessing about the behind-the-scenes conversations that have taken place regarding this move.
While the youngster has already begun to make himself an important player at the Stadium Of Light, Everton have been lacking a real focal point at the top end of the pitch in the absence of Rondon. Dwight McNeil was brought on in place of the striker on Saturday, but it's clear the summer signing shouldn't be playing in that role.
But, that brings us to another player on the bench - Dele. You'd have to think that him not coming onto the pitch is the biggest indication yet of his current standing, with a move to Besiktas being heavily rumoured over recent days.
Maybe the January arrival was considered as a potential option up front when Simms was allowed to move on. Lampard pushed hard to get the Spurs man to Goodison and clearly had a lot of faith in him.
He showed glimpses of what he could produce towards the end of the 2021/22 season, in particular changing the game when he was introduced against Crystal Palace as Everton dramatically secured their safety in the Premier League. Over the summer, which saw Dele reach full fitness and often play in that false nine role, it was expected that he would step up and really begin his time on Merseyside.
However, three games into the season, he's managed just 38 minutes. Instead of being that option up front just for the time-being, he's watched on as Anthony Gordon took up the role in the opening two matches of the term - with McNeil coming on instead of him against Forest.
Dele was sent out to warm up early in the second half and even when the Blues were desperately looking for a goal, he was still patrolling the sidelines doing regular stretches rather than being called into the fray. Everton of course did find their way through in the end thanks to a quality Demarai Gray goal, but that doesn't hide the problem.
The situations with Simms and Dele, added to the club not being able to do any business in the transfer window as of yet in terms of bringing in a new forward, has left the manager with his hands tied somewhat in matches such as Saturday. Everton looked better with Rondon on the pitch but he couldn't stay there, and so a different solution was needed.
Everton are in the hunt for a striker in the transfer window. It's better that they find the right option for them, even if they have to wait, rather than panic and perhaps over-spend on someone who might not fit the bill quite as well.
Again, supporters won't argue with that fact. It was those panicked moves that brought the club into the financial position they currently find themselves in, so only a change in strategy will get them back to more sure footing.
However, that doesn't really explain the Simms decision, which does remain confusing. Lewis Dobbin was also allowed to leave on loan, while another exciting striker in Tom Cannon has just signed a new three-year contract with the club.
Will he get an opportunity to impress against Fleetwood Town in midweek? It's too early to say at this stage, but at this point the Blues could do worse than to give him his shot.
Frustrations are understandable that Everton have missed out on eight points already this season while, realistically, not playing too badly all things considered. It's all ifs, buts and maybes - but you are left wondering just how many more points they might have had if they could have called upon another striker option.
Time will tell if the right decision was made on Simms both for him personally and the club, or how much impact Dele's current situation might have had. But, the Blues will also be aware that time is running out to get the right striker to Merseyside soon.
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