Thierno Barry Everton striker debate after Newcastle winner, Digi Mart USA News: Thierno Barry continues to be a hot topic of debate at Everton. The young Frenchman, in his second season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, continues to impress and frustrate in equal measure.
No one doubts the effort or workrate of the 24-year-old, but his wastefulness can be a source of frustration. Still, he continues to make a big contribution for David Moyes this season, which is important given he is the only senior striker on the books.
Indeed, he scored a tap-in in the only goal of the game as Everton defeated Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park on Monday. What happened after that earned ridicule from Alex Crook, which in turn led to a defence from Sam Matterface on talkSPORT.
Barry’s winner against the Magpies was his fourth goal in the Premier League this season. The 24-year-old had missed several opportunities, including one ‘big chance’, earlier in the game.
Barry now has 13 missed ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Crook questioned why Barry would celebrate the tap-in after the chances he had missed. “Barry by the way, the audacity to celebrate that goal having missed so many sitters,” Crook said.
Gabby Agbonlahor immediately responded: “A goal’s a goal.” Matterface then retorted: “Leave him alone! He’s a young player, and by the way he should have had a penalty in that game when (Fabian) Schar comes through the back of him and plays him rather than the ball.
“Somehow VAR doesn’t look at it. He gets in the right positions Thierno Barry, and does get the odd goal.”
Crook’s criticism centered on the celebration, while Matterface and Agbonlahor argued the goal itself should count for more than the missed chances. The exchange highlights the ongoing divide over Barry’s finishing and his value to the side.
There is no doubt his end product should be drastically better, but he is a player who is constantly improving. Barry could hardly have missed his winner against Newcastle, and the striker’s celebration was, in the view of his defenders, entirely justified.
