Barry’s £27m revival: Eight goals in 12 games stun Newcastle

Thierno Barry has transformed from Everton’s nightmare signing into their indispensable hero, scoring eight goals in just 12 appearances this season. The French striker matched his entire output from last year’s 41 games in a fraction of the time, according to the BBC News ^[1].

On Monday night, Barry netted against Newcastle United for the second time in five days, securing a deserved Premier League victory at St James' Park. His tally of eight goals in all competitions places him second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland among Premier League players, the report noted ^[1].

The 24-year-old, who joined from Villarreal for £27m, is now Everton’s only recognised senior striker following Beto’s move to Fiorentina. This role has cemented his status as a pivotal figure for manager David Moyes, who praised the player’s ability to find the net when it matters most.

Barry’s rise marks a stark contrast to his debut season, where he managed just one shot in his first 16 games. He recently shared footage of himself breaking down during a private training session, highlighting the mental toll of his early struggles. However, his current form suggests those difficulties are behind him.

“I was working a lot during the summer and now we can see the result,” Barry told Sky Sports, reflecting on his improved performance. He expressed happiness at contributing to the team’s success and enjoying his celebrations, which included a knee slide and dance moves after his goal.

Despite the win, the goal was not without controversy. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle told BBC Sport that there was “a clear foul on Fabian Schar” in the build-up to the strike. Meanwhile, Barry’s overall impact remains high, having been involved in 62.5% of Everton’s big chances this season.

Critics often label Barry as wasteful, a sentiment reinforced when he scuffed a simple chance during the match. Yet, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher noted that Barry’s persistence is now paying off. “We know Barry misses chances, but we also know this season he keeps going and he scores goals,” Carragher said ^[1].

David Moyes echoed this sentiment, stating that the club is thrilled with Barry’s goal return. The manager acknowledged the striker’s occasional misses but emphasised his crucial positioning and finishing in key moments, solidifying his reputation as a revitalised force at Goodison Park.