Troy Deeney in circular inset with Everton striker Beto in action
Credit: Imago, BBC Match of the Day
Evan Lloyd
Mon 25 August 2025 9:50, UK
Everton welcomed Premier League football to The Hill Dickinson Stadium in style on Sunday.
Everton beat Brighton 2-0, with goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner marking a joyous occasion at the Toffees’ new home.
Jack Grealish stole plenty of the headlines after providing assists for both goals on his home debut for David Moyes’ side.
Brighton had a chance to get back into the game in the second half after the referee controversially adjudged that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had handled the ball, but Jordan Pickford was equal to Danny Welbeck’s spot kick.
Moyes made two changes to his starting XI, with Beto correctly left out.
Thierno Barry in action for Everton
Barry performed well against Brighton (Credit: Imago)
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Troy Deeney weighs in on Thierno Barry vs Beto debate
Thierno Barry was handed his full competitive debut against Brighton, replacing Beto, who had failed to impress against Leeds United in Everton’s Premier League opener.
The 22-year-old was signed from Villarreal earlier in the summer in a deal reportedly worth £27million, after scoring 11 goals in La Liga last season.
The Frenchman delivered a promising performance on Sunday, holding up play well for the Toffees.
There is an acknowledgement that Barry will take time to adapt to the Premier League, but Everton will hope the striker can prove to be a force for the Moyes’ side going forward.
Thierno Barry Vs Brighton (H)
Minutes played 64
Shots 2
Aerial duels won 6
Accurate passes 7
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day on Sunday, 24 August, Troy Deeney said he liked what he saw from the Frenchman.
“I was at the game against Leeds on Monday, six days ago, and it was criminal – that’s the only word I can use – that Beto stayed on the pitch,” the former Watford striker said.
“He was awful, but this young man (Barry), 37 games last year, 11 goals, played all summer for France, has to get up to tempo and speed with what David Moyes wants.
“But his touch, his link, he held up the ball so much better, and obviously he’s going to take a while to get accustomed to it, but he just added a different focus, was running in behind, and that then allows for Jack Grealish and Ndiaye to have so much space, and it gives the back four something to worry about.”
David Moyes should not rule out a two-striker formation
Whilst Moyes appears to have settled on a choice between Barry and Beto, the Scot should not rule out a formation that would see both strikers deployed against more difficult opponents.
Against the Premier League’s best teams, having two strikers capable of holding the ball up and flicking on to each other could prove hugely valuable.
How Everton could set up:
Pickford
O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner
Gueye, Dewsbury-Hall,
Grealish, Ndiaye
Beto, Barry
Everton are often forced to defend deep on such occasions, and a long ball to either of the big men up top would cause problems for even the toughest defenders.
Either way, the fight is on for that number nine role.
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