Everton striker Thierno Barry is enjoying a significant upturn in form this season, having already matched his goal tally from the entire previous campaign. Last season, Barry scored eight goals in 41 appearances, but this season he has achieved the same number in just 12 games. His recent performance saw him score against Newcastle for the second time in five days, contributing to Everton's win at St James' Park.
Barry's eight goals in all competitions this season place him second only to Erling Haaland among Premier League players. The 24-year-old's current form marks his best run since joining Everton from Villarreal last summer. With Beto's departure to Fiorentina, Barry has become Everton's sole recognized senior striker and is currently indispensable to the team. His resurgence highlights the value Everton saw when they paid £27 million for the striker, who grew up watching Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku play for the club.
The Frenchman endured a challenging start to his time at Everton, managing only one shot in his first 16 games. He previously shared a video of himself experiencing emotional difficulties during a private training session last season. However, his recent goal celebration, featuring a knee slide and dance moves, contrasted sharply with his earlier struggles. "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."
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle expressed dissatisfaction with the match, stating there was "a clear foul on Fabian Schar" in the build-up to Barry's controversial goal.