Everton fans were treated to three big points against Fulham and a much improved performance from Thierno Barry.
It has been the question on the lips of most Everton fans this week as to who would be starting up front.
David Moyes decided to stick with Barry following his start on Monday evening against Sunderland, which saw him hooked after 57 minutes.
The Frenchman has struggled to earn opportunities from the start since making the move to Merseyside.
After the game on Monday, Moyes singled Barry out for his missed chance to double Everton’s lead at the Stadium of Light.
However, Saturday’s showing was much improved and it was apparent that the fans enjoyed what they saw from the 23-year-old.
Everton v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
How Everton fans reacted to Thierno Barry’s performance vs Fulham
Barry controversially changed his Instagram photo ahead of the Fulham clash to an image of him sulking on the bench.
But there was no sulking from the Frenchman, who will now be going into the international break on a high.
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With just over 10 minutes remaining, Moyes withdrew Barry for Beto, and the reaction from the home fans was clear.
‘Thierno Barry gets a standing ovation by the Evertonians as he is replaced in the 79th minute by Beto. Barry has been excellent today,’ said journalist Tony Scott from inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes demanded more from all of his Everton players as he did defend his strikers who were coming under real pressure this week.
It was not a flawless performance from Barry by any means, but the 23-year-old showed a lot of desire and that was appreciated by the fans.
Thierno Barry was much improved against Fulham
During the week, Barry was working on his strength in the Finch Farm gym, and he certainly put up a good fight against Calvin Bassey.
The striker had the ball in the back of the net inside the first half, but quickly saw it chalked off for an offside on Iliman Ndiaye.
His showing will have sealed his spot in the starting XI for the game against Manchester United after the break.
79 minutes played
2 shots
2/2 successful dribbles
1x was fouled
2 clearances
Michael Keane asked for more from Barry ahead of the game and he certainly got just that.
With performances like this, there is little doubt that the goals will come for Barry.