Thierno Barry has matched his entire goal tally from last season in just 12 matches following a standout performance in the Premier League. The Everton forward scored against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, marking his second goal against the same opponent in five days.
From Difficult Beginnings to Key Forward
Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals among Premier League players across all competitions this season than Barry, who has netted eight times. The 24-year-old joined Everton from Villarreal last summer and managed just eight goals in 41 appearances during a difficult debut campaign that saw him record only one shot across his first 16 games. Last month, he shared a video of himself breaking down in tears during a private training session from that challenging period.
Following Beto’s transfer to Fiorentina, Barry is currently the club’s only recognized senior striker. He told Sky Sports that his summer hard work is paying off, stating that he wants to enjoy this season much more than the last.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle contested the legality of the deciding goal, telling BBC Sport there was a clear foul on Fabian Schar during the build-up. However, the strike stood, prompting a jubilant celebration from the French player that featured a knee slide and dance moves.
Proving His Worth on Merseyside
Barry has been involved in 62.5% of Everton’s big chances this season, leading all Premier League players in that category. Despite critics pointing out his occasional wastefulness in front of goal—including a scuffed shot against Newcastle after latching onto a Jarrad Branthwaite flick-on—he capitalized on a two-yard tap-in with an expected goals value of 0.995.
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that while the forward misses opportunities, he maintains his persistence and continues to find the net. Everton manager David Moyes expressed delight with the striker’s output, noting that the team relies on its centre-forward to score and praising him for being in the right place at the right time.
