Everton picked up a much-needed victory on Saturday as Thierno Barry caught the eye in a 2-0 win over Fulham.
Monday’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland left Everton in a run of just one win in seven Premier League games.
David Moyes needed a reaction against Fulham, and his Everton side duly obliged.
Idrissa Gueye fired Everton in front before defender Michael Keane added number two in the second half.
Everton had multiple goals ruled out in this one, and Fulham can have few complaints about the 2-0 scoreline.
Everton v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
David Moyes on Thierno Barry’s Everton display
Moyes decided to go with Thierno Barry in attack once again, having handed him a chance to shine against Sunderland.
Barry missed an incredible chance to make it 2-0 at the Stadium of Light, and Everton were made to pay on the night.
Moyes kept faith in Barry, though, and he did have the ball in the net this time – only to see the flag go up for offside.
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The Everton boss was pleased with Barry’s performance against Fulham, and praised his display when speaking to BBC Sport.
Moyes felt that Barry turned in one of his most impressive Everton displays so far, but thinks the striker is still adjusting.
The Premier League’s intensity is the main thing for Barry in Moyes’ eyes, as the striker learns more about the English game.
“I was actually very pleased with him today. Today was one of his better games. He is just getting used to the Premier League and the intensity,” said Moyes.
Everton know that Barry is a project, but Saturday’s display gave a glimpse into what he can offer in the long term.
Thierno Barry has experienced nothing quite like the Premier League
Barry has been on an incredible rise, and one that some may not fully understand.
The striker was playing in France’s fifth tier just over three years ago, but has been catapulted to the Premier League after impressing in Belgium, Switzerland and Spain.
Look through Barry’s goals at Villarreal last season and you will see they came against Celta Vigo, Las Palmas, Real Valladolid, Girona, Leganes, Getafe, Real Betis and Osasuna.
The majority of those teams are some way short of the average Premier League side, so Barry is having to adjust to playing big, physical teams every single week in the Premier League.
Barry has adjusted and developed his game at every level so far, but it’s no surprise to see that his Premier League adjustment is taking some time.
Moyes clearly has faith in Barry, and he will only acclimatise to Premier League action by playing more games, with more improvement hopefully to come.