Striker Thierno Barry Finds Scoring Form and Essential Role for Everton

Everton forward Thierno Barry has matched his goal tally from the previous campaign after only 12 appearances this term, following an initial season where he managed eight goals across 41 matches. The 24-year-old Frenchman found the net against Newcastle during a Premier League fixture at St James' Park, marking his second goal against the opposition in five days as his side secured a victory.

Among all Premier League players across all competitions, only Erling Haaland with 13 goals has scored more than Barry's total of eight this season. Barry joined Everton from Villarreal last summer for a fee of £27m, growing up watching former Toffees strikers Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku.

The player's early career on Merseyside proved challenging, yielding only one shot across his opening 16 appearances. Last month, footage was posted online showing the forward breaking down in tears during a private training session from the previous year.

Barry contrasted those earlier difficulties with his celebration following Monday's goal, which featured a knee slide followed by dancing. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Barry attributed his current form to extensive summer training and expressed satisfaction in assisting the squad.

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle disputed the legitimacy of the goal, telling BBC Sport that a foul occurred against Fabian Schar during the build-up phase. As Everton's sole recognised senior striker following Beto's transfer to Fiorentina, Barry currently holds an indispensable position within the team.