Thierno Barry's eighth goal of the season proved enough for Everton to beat Newcastle United for the second time in the space of four days at St James' Park
James Tarkowski of and Jarrard Branthwaite celebrate following Everton's win over Newcastle United
James Tarkowski of and Jarrard Branthwaite celebrate following Everton's win over Newcastle United(Image: (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
View 2 Images
James Tarkowski believes Everton produced their best performance of the season against Newcastle United on Monday night. Just four days after dumping the Magpies out of the Carabao Cup, the Blues claimed their first away win of the season at St James’ Park.
Thierno Barry’s second-half strike was the difference between the two sides, but David Moyes’ side more than deserved all three points. On another night the Blues could have won by a greater margin, but Tarkowski believes keeping a clean sheet is the most important thing.
Since David Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, only Arsenal (31) and Manchester City (28) have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League than the Blues (20).
READ MORE: What Everton supporters sang to toast yet another superb win over Newcastle came as no surprise
READ MORE: David Moyes issues Jack Grealish update after Everton beat Newcastle without him again
Make sure you never miss the latest Everton news and opinion by makingLiverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.
And the Everton skipper said: "I think it was probably our best performance of the season, I thought we were terrific in the first half and could have scored two or three.
"Thierno gets the goal again for us. There's a lot on his shoulders, he's our only recognised striker so hopefully he can keep putting the ball in the net like he has done. He's harsh on himself but his numbers are through the roof in terms of running.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
"A clean sheet is massive for us. It's a long old season. We take it game by game but tonight feels good and we can look forward to Friday [against Coventry]."
Barry’s goal was his eighth of the season and he believes he has reaped the benefits of the work he put in during the summer.
Thierno Barry celebrates after scoring for Everton against Newcastle United
View 2 Images
“I just worked a lot during the summer and now we can see the result,” he said. “The season is long but I'm happy to help the team with my goals."
Asked about his new celebration, the forward revealed: "Like I say, I want to enjoy more than last season and I enjoyed my celebration so I am happy.
"I think Dan Burn and Fabian Schar were the most difficult defenders I have faced this season because they are really strong but for the striker you just need to score and I won my duels today so I am happy."
Newcastle were booed by their own supporters, and Dan Burn said: "Disappointed, frustrated. Much of the same in the last few games - between the boxes we do OK but we're not ruthless enough going forward or defending our own box.
What should Everton do with Jack Grealish?
Jack Grealish (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Jack Grealish (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Not sign him after his loan spell endsCancel his loan spell immediately or in January
"When you're not winning games there's always a lack of confidence. The fans weren't happy. They have shown that at half-time and full-time. “That doesn't make it easy to build confidence when you're in that atmosphere. But I've been a fan so I understand the frustrations when they're not getting what they're expecting. “That wasn't a Newcastle performance like we've expected in the last three or four years so I can completely understand the frustrations. It doesn't make it easier for us as players. You can sense that nervousness in the ground."
Get YOUR Everton FC Newsletter