James Tarkowski has joked about Thierno Barry pinching his goal against Ipswich Town – but the Everton captain had nothing but praise for the striker afterwards.
Barry scored the only goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win at the Hill Dickinson when he reacted to Tarkowski’s long-range effort and diverted it beyond Christian Walton.
Tarkowski happy to lose goal to Barry
There was never much chance of Tarkowski being awarded the goal. His effort was heading off target before Barry intervened, with the striker adjusting his body to steer the ball past the Ipswich goalkeeper.
Everton have since shared footage of Tarkowski discussing the incident, with the captain able to laugh about Barry getting the decisive touch.
More importantly, Tarkowski was full of praise for the striker and the start he has made to the season.
The skipper with nothing but praise for Thierno Barry – even after he pinched his goal! 😅 pic.twitter.com/Bco1Y4Sk2Y
— Everton (@Everton) September 22, 2026
Barry’s quick reaction proved decisive on a difficult afternoon for Everton. He thought he had another after the break, only for his second effort to be ruled out following a VAR review for Brennan Johnson’s offside position.
The striker also missed a good headed opportunity in the first half, but he continues to get himself into scoring positions and has made an encouraging start to his second season at the club.
Barry finding a way to score
Saturday’s winner will not feature prominently in any goal-of-the-season compilation, but Barry will not care too much about that.
Tarkowski took the shot, Barry supplied the touch and Everton collected another three points. The captain may have lost a possible goal, but his reaction afterwards suggests there were no complaints about who got it.
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