Everton striker Thierno Barry turned in a workmanlike performance in Monday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Everton beat Manchester United 1-0 on Monday night, but fans couldn’t have possibly predicted the route to victory.
Idrissa Gana Gueye earned a straight red card in the first half, having appeared to slap teammate Michael Keane in the face.
Everton may have looked in disarray at that moment, but it wasn’t representative of the game as a whole.
The Toffees continued to take the game to United and found a stunning goal through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, before frustrating the Red Devils in the second half.
Who was your MOTM vs Man United?
Thierno Barry sets new Premier League record in Everton display
Everton were worthy winners at Old Trafford as United failed to beat an inspired Jordan Pickford.
The Toffees bounced back from that early Gana Gueye blow to claim a fantastic win on the road.
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Thierno Barry wasn’t given much service in the final third, but he made his presence felt.
As noted by BBC Sport, Barry racked up 14 successful aerial duels against United on Monday night.
Everton v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
That is a new record for a single game in this Premier League season, with Barry two ahead of the nearest challenger.
Barry is a huge presence at 6ft 5in tall, but winning more aerial duels than any other player this season is a major credit to his performance.
The French forward is still waiting for his first Premier League goal, but the best away performances usually require a frontman who can win headers and relieve some pressure.
Barry did that job, and his record of 14 successful aerial duels will take some beating this season.
Idrissa Gana Gueye apologises after his red card vs Man United
“I want to apologise first to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club.
“What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high but nothing justifies such behaviour. I’ll make sure it never happens again. UTT.”
David Moyes on Thierno Barry’s performance against Manchester United
Barry suffered an injury against Fulham before the international break but showed no ill effects against United.
Goals are required, but Barry’s work rate and endeavour have been obvious in recent weeks.
Moyes told Beanyman Sports after the final whistle that he really appreciated Barry’s effort against United.
The Scot still wants goals from Barry, but his work rate proved to be crucial as Everton stunned United.
“I thought he led the line well in some ways today. His numbers, running, they’re always big, and we needed it even more so today, to somehow help us,” said Moyes.
“I’m pleased. I still want goals from him, obviously, that’s the thing that you get judged on as a centre-forward, but I think his performance tonight, for the team, was worthy of what he’d done, he worked really, really hard for us,” he added.
That first Everton goal surely isn’t far away, and this run in the starting line-up is surely giving him real confidence that he really can make the grade in the Premier League.
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