Everton v Ipswich Town - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
Thierno Barry is leading the Premier League in the number of big chances missed through the opening stages of the 2026/27 season but David Moyes is seeing this as a positive.
Barry has now scored three times in the Premier League from his six appearances with two of those goals coming in his last two games. However, it could have been many more for the 23-year-old had he shown a more clinical side in front of goal.
Player Big chances missed
Thierno Barry 10
Erling Haaland 5
Bryan Mbeumo 5
The figures speak for themselves as Barry has now missed more than double the number of big chances as the player in second spot, Erling Haaland. Naturally, many will view this as a negative with the Everton striker failing to take advantage of his opportunities.
Sharing their thoughts on TalkingPoints, a number of Everton fans have shared their concerns over Barry’s finishing ability but Moyes is taking some cause for optimism.
Why David Moyes is optimistic over Thierno Barry’s missed Everton chances
There is a lot of pressure on Barry this season after Everton’s failed move for Folarin Balogun left Moyes extremely short of options up front. Although Barry could easily have extended his tally of three league goals this season, Moyes is delighted by the chances actually being created by the other players.
“Well, we’re so pleased about the goals he’s scoring. We really are, but I think somebody told me the other day that he might have missed the most big chances in the Premier League. Some centre-forwards might see that as (I’m not going to say a compliment) getting in the right place at the right time and getting those opportunities,” Moyes said during Friday’s press conference at Finch Farm.
What’s your honest position on Thierno Barry at the moment? 10 big chances missed in the PL, but six goals across all competitions. It's fair to say he divides opinion at Everton, but Dewsbury-Hall is a fan…👀
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse/Gary Oakley – Everton FC/Everton FC
Yet to be convinced by him. Hes doing alright but still very wasteful. Id love to see a more experienced striker to help him even if it was someone like Big Dunc brought in to help with his training.
Yeah he’s well on course to smash last season’s numbers. Lots to like, just needs that conviction and consistency doesn’t he
He will smash kastvyears stats and moving forward will improve…..they all miss chances
“When you’re the manager, you just want them to score. Because I’ve said many times, I don’t think necessarily we’ll be a team which gets loads and loads of opportunities, we’d probably have to be clinical when we get those opportunities. I’d like him to score more and be cleaner when he has to be, but I’m pleased with the way he’s moving forward.”
Shortly after the summer window shut, Moyes suggested Everton would look for a free agent striker but that does not seem to have taken off. Barry’s performances are providing goals despite the number of opportunities he requires to find the back of the net.
It must be remembered that Barry is still only 23 years of age and playing in his second season in England. The Frenchman needed until mid-December to score his first goal for Everton last season so there has certainly been plenty of progress made.
Of course, Moyes would love to have another senior striker to rotate and compete with Barry but for now the Frenchman will have to be enough for the 63-year-old manager.