Everton match-winner Thierno Barry delivers 'most difficult' Newcastle United verdict
Newcastle United 0-1 Everton: Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game as the Toffees claimed three points at St James’ Park on Monday night.
Thierno Barry has three goals in his last three games against Newcastle United in all competitions as Everton claimed a third straight win against the Magpies.
Barry pounced to turn in Tyrique George’s shot that was spilled by Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. The 24-year-old clashed with United defender Fabian Schar in the build-up to the goal as the home side called for a foul as well as offside against the Everton man.
A VAR check confirmed no foul or offside and the goal was allowed to stand as Everton went on to secure a 1-0 win.
Barry had another good opportunity to extend Everton’s lead in the second half but was taken out by a last-ditch challenge from Schar. Referee John Brooks deemed it a fair challenge.
Reflecting on the match, Barry deemed Newcastle’s centre-back partnership as the ‘most difficult’ he has faced so far this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Frenchman said: "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."
Barry also scored against the same centre-back partnership in the 3-1 Carabao Cup win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last Thursday. He also scored the winner in Everton’s 3-2 victory at St James’ Park in the Premier League last season, though that match saw Burn and Malick Thiaw play the full match at centre-back.
Barry’s strike at St James’ Park took his goal tally for the season to eight in 12 matches.
"I was just working 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."
James Tarkowski reacts to Everton win over Newcastle
Everton defender James Tarkowski also hailed Monday’s win on Tyneside as his side’s ‘best performance’ of the season.
"I think it was probably our best performance of the season,” Tarkowski said. “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.
"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]."