Everton striker Thierno Barry has turned a difficult debut campaign into a prolific start to the new season, matching his entire previous goal tally in just 12 appearances. The 24‑year‑old Frenchman scored against Newcastle United for the second time in five days as Everton secured a deserved Premier League victory at St James' Park on Monday night.
Barry now has eight goals in all competitions this term; only Erling Haaland (13) has scored more among Premier League players. Signed from Villarreal for £27 million last summer, he is currently Everton's only recognised senior striker following Beto's move to Fiorentina, making him indispensable to manager David Moyes.
Last season Barry managed just one shot in his first 16 games and even posted a video of himself breaking down during a private training session. That low point contrasted sharply with his knee‑slide and dance celebration after Monday's goal. "I was working a lot during the summer and now we can see the result," Barry told Sky Sports. "The season is long but I'm happy to help the team with my goals. I want to enjoy more than last season and I enjoyed my celebration so I am happy."
Moyes praised his centre‑forward's resilience: "We're thrilled he's getting the goals because you need your centre‑forward to score. He has missed a few but thankfully tonight he was on the spot to get the goal." Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: "We know Barry misses chances, but we also know this season he keeps going and he scores goals."
The winner was not without controversy. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle told BBC Sport there was "a clear foul on Fabian Schar" in the build‑up. Statistically, Barry has been involved in 62.5% of Everton's big chances this season (15 of 24), and his tap‑in carried an expected goals (xG) value of 0.995.
